FC Isle of Man's financial stability 'difficult' without 'magic benefactor' says new CEO

Russ Kent takes up the role for Island club

FC Isle of Man's new chief executive says the financial stability of the club is 'difficult' without a 'magic benefactor'.

Russ Kent was appointed to the role last week after previously serving solely as treasurer. 

It was part of a major reshuffle of the board and saw him become the club's first CEO after all founding members departed.

He says FC Isle of Man receives funding on a season-to-season basis:

The Raven's, which currently benefit from some government support, are entering their sixth season in English football.

Back in the early stages of FC Isle of Man then board member, and former manager Paul Jones stated there was a 10-12 year ambition for the Ravens to make England's professional leagues. 

However Russ told Manx Radio that's no longer realistic: "I can't speak on behalf of the club, but my personal view is if we can make it [the club] self-sustaining, in terms of financing, without needing an awful lot of government support it can actually stand on its own two feet. 

"That's my main goal". 

Since promotion into the North West Counties Football League Premier Division in 2022, FC Isle of Man has only recorded one top 10 finish, a ninth place in the 2023/24 season. 

However Russ says the club has high hopes for the season:

FC Isle of Man reported for pre-season training for the first time under new manager Lee Dixon this week.

The 2026/27 NWCFL Premier Division is set to begin on Saturday, 1 August with fixtures yet to be released. 

Before that FC Isle of Man will once again be competing in the Summer Festival of Football which returns next month. 

You can listen to Russ' full interview below: