Meet the football director with Northern Ireland connections behind Glenavon takeover
A football director with Northern Ireland connections is the man behind Glenavon’s takeover bid which marks “an exciting and positive new chapter” for the Irish League club.
On Wednesday, the Lurgan Blues hosted shareholders at Mourneview Park to discuss the finer details of an investment proposal from Football International Limited, who are set to acquire a majority shareholding in Glenavon.
The club confirmed they’ve entered into a strategic partnership which will see staged investment delivered across the next five years, ensuring “stability, continuity, and responsible long-term planning”.
Glenavon are set to become the latest Premiership outfit to receive outside investment, following in the footsteps of Larne, Glentoran, Coleraine and Carrick Rangers.
It’s understood Cathal Morrison, who was born in Cork and grew up in Londonderry, is the leading force behind Football International Limited and he brings extensive football experience.
Morrison previously held scouting positions at the likes of Cambridge United and West Ham United before moving into boardroom roles, serving as director of football at Brightlingsea Regent Football Club.
He was also a part-owner at Altrincham Football Club, holding a 12.5% stake in the National League club, and was their technical director and board member.
Morrison spent nearly three years as local recruitment co-ordinator at Colchester United and was Brantham Athletic’s director of football up until July 2025.
Living in Colchester, Morrison also served as academy director for French giants PSG in the United Kingdom and has held a number of director and leadership roles in his professional career away from football.
Morrison is an author and has penned a number of books, including ‘The Football Club Masterplan: A 10-Year Strategy for Promotion from Step 5 to the EFL’ and ‘Full Circle’.
He was present at Mourneview Park to watch Glenavon’s Premiership clash against Glentoran earlier this month and is now set to take on a major role with the Lurgan Blues.
Glenavon say the partnership with Morrison’s Football International Limited will focus on four major areas: strengthening the Club’s financial position; improving commercial performance and revenue generation; supporting football operations and infrastructure; and reinforcing Glenavon FC’s role at the heart of its community.
“This is a very positive step for Glenavon FC,” said a Glenavon spokesperson. “Football International Limited share our belief in the Club, our community, and our future.
"The staged investment model gives the Club stability and clarity, while allowing us to plan responsibly and ambitiously.
"Most importantly, this partnership is built on respect for Glenavon’s heritage and a shared desire to see the Club thrive again. We would also like to thank Alexander Jarvis of Blackridge Sports LLC for all his help making this deal happen.”
A spokesperson for Football International Limited added: “Glenavon Football Club is a club with real history, identity, and potential.
"Our commitment is long-term. By investing over a five-year period, we aim to provide stability, strengthen the Club’s foundations, and support sustainable growth.
"We believe success comes from working collaboratively with supporters, staff, and the wider community, and we are excited to begin this journey with Glenavon.”