Lamb: Boro will stay in local hands

Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb has condemned the growing foreign investment in the Premier League and insisted the Teesside club will remain in local hands.

Both Manchester clubs, Chelsea and Liverpool are among those who have been taken over by foreign buyers but Lamb is adamant the Teesside clubs will retain its local focus.

He said: “I can never envisage a time when this club is owned by somebody whose roots are outside the area.

“It is important that people realise how much Middlesbrough Football Club is part of the community.

“We are only here because of the people of Middlesbrough and this community is so vital.”

Lamb was unequivocal in his condemnation of foreign takeovers and believes they could be damaging for the long-term future of the game in this country.

He said: “I am not in favour of foreign owners.

“I believe football clubs should belong to the towns and cities they represent.

“I am fearful for the long-term future of football if we continue to go down the foreign-ownership line.

“What happens when those tractor-loads of money turn round and go back again?”