Mark and Nicola Palios, the owners of Tranmere Rovers, have bought a 15-bedroom hotel in the Wirral incorporating a well-known restaurant and pledged that all profits from its operation will be retained by the football club.
Mark Palios, the former chief executive of the FA who played more than 280 times for the club during his playing career, and his wife Nicola have acquired Riverhill Hotel (pictured) in Oxton. The property is located a mile from Prenton Park and will be used to accommodate loan players, trialists, visiting clubs and guests attending events at Tranmere Rovers' stadium.
The new partnership between Tranmere Rovers and Riverhill Hotel will also extend to those wanting to book functions. For example, it opens up the possibility of clients booking a day-time wedding and wedding breakfast at Riverhill, an evening function for a larger group in one of Tranmere Rovers' hospitality rooms, and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Mark Palios said: "Although Nicky and I have bought the freehold of the hotel, we have agreed that all profits from its operation will be retained by Tranmere Rovers, to provide much-needed extra revenue for the club.
"The Riverhill is something of a hidden gem in Oxton, with a well-established existing hotel and restaurant benefitting from many loyal customers. We look forward to continuing to provide them with the service they have come to value, but we believe that with some investment and renewed energy and focus on marketing we can take the Riverhill and its Bay Tree Restaurant to the next level and establish it as one of the leading hotels and dining establishments in Wirral."
Peter Shaw, Tranmere Rovers chief operating officer, added: "Having an association between a football club and a hotel is not a new idea – there are excellent synergies between them. Our aim is to build on the excellent reputation that the Riverhill already enjoys for the quality of its food and accommodation, to firmly establish it as one of Wirral's premier hotel location for dining and weddings."