Bracknell Town chairman Kayne Steinborn-Busse has revealed he would consider selling the SB Sports and Education Group which owns and operates both Bracknell Town FC and Sandhurst Town FC, if an acceptable offer came along.
The shock news comes shortly after confirming that he plans to stand down at the end of the 2023-24 season, handing over the reins to his eldest son, Louie.
Kayne had announced his plans in May at the end-of-season awards that this would be his last; however, be has delayed making it public until now.
Under his guidance, Bracknell have made tremendous progress, and his dream is to see the Robins playing in the National League, having just missed out last season when they were cruelly denied in the play-offs when opponents Truro scored a last-minute winner.
But he is now contemplating ending his ownership of the group and both clubs, which started in 2015, since he has totally transformed the club on and off the field.
‘As a group, we are open to the possibility of a full sale should the right person or group step up to lead’
The news that he is prepared to listen to offers for the group will come as a tremendous surprise to the non-league football fraternity, particularly those close to the club. He explained his decision: “Recognising the changing landscape and the need to ensure the clubs continue flourishing, I believe now is the opportune moment to consider relinquishing full control.
“As a group, we are open to the possibility of a full sale should the right person or group step up to lead. However, if that does not come to fruition, I am confident that Louie is the ideal candidate to lead us into the future as a full-time chairman, with a new focused board around him.”
This year saw the installation at the SB Stadium of a state-of-the-art 3G pitch, the first of its kind in the UK.
Kayne and his company’s involvement in local sports goes beyond football, as they also own the Sport and Education Academy based in Bracknell, which attracts students from as far away as the United States.
The former Bracknell rugby player has taken extra pride in seeing the club in the national spotlight, with live BBC TV coverage of their FA Cup first-round tie against Ipswich last season and the recent fourth qualifying-round tie with Dagenham & Redbridge.
Having made their exit from the FA Cup and FA Trophy last month, Bracknell can now concentrate on the league, and they are well placed to launch a strong bid to reach the play-offs.
