NEWS
24 October 2006
Sly coming to England Jan/Feb
Planet Hollywood founder Robert Earl, a Tottenham supporter as a boy, bought 23% of Soccer club Everton football club on Friday from former directors Paul and Anita Gregg for around £9million.
Earl made his fortune founding the Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock Cafe chains, where he formed a relationship with American film star Stallone. However, Earl has made it clear his involvement in Everton is not a takeover, but support for his close friend, Everton chairman Bill Kenwright.
Earl said: 'I definitely will be bringing some of the biggest movie stars in the world to Everton.
'Sylvester Stallone absolutely loves soccer and I spoke to him about the deal last night. He said he wants to come. He has just finished the last Rocky film and will be in England next January/February to promote it so, hopefully, he will be able to come up for a game then.'
The prospects of Earl winning naming rights for a potential new stadium are strong after his company BCR Sports bought the Greggs' shares.
Earl, talking to EvertonTV added: 'I believe in the club and I believe in its potential. My involvement with Everton is to support.
'It's an endorsement of Bill Kenwright, an endorsement of David Moyes - it is not a takeover. Anything that helps the economic model, and in turn gives David a better pool of talent, is something we want to do.
'The more financial stability we can give the club, the better. If there is to be a new stadium, and if that stadium merits having great restaurants and a casino, let's go for it. But I will not be making those decisions. It will be up to the chairman how much he uses me.'
As well as establishing the Planet Hollywood brand, Earl also successfully transformed the Las Vegas Aladdin Casino into a billion-dollar resort.
© Copyright The Stallone Dome 2005
