Mystery bidder finally unveiled

by Dave Stanford

THE Evening Press can today reveal the identity of the mystery northern-based millionaire who is now backing the Supporters' Trust bid to take control of York City.

Brooks Mileson was spotted sitting in the Main Stand at Bootham Crescent on Saturday flanked by his close associate Keith Agar.

On Saturday, the Evening Press revealed Mileson was backing the Trust in their effort to take control of the club while he attempts to build a new stadium to give the Minstermen security of tenure.

Brought up on a Sunderland council estate, Mileson has risen to the status of `self-made millionaire insurance tycoon'.

Aged 55, his main business is Albany RTA, an insurance-related company which manages non-fault accidents and provides car-hire and medical help.

He is currently weighing up a £35million offer for the company.

Four years ago, he sold Arnott Insurance which had nearly 40 offices throughout the north-east and Scotland to Budget Insurance for £13million.

His other businesses include a security company, a debt management company, a chain of scooter shops, a property letting company and Sportsnet Insurance, employing some 700 people

Aged 11, it is understood Mileson broke his back after an avalanche while playing in a quarry and was told by doctors he would never walk again.

He spent a year in hospital learning to walk and confounded medical opinion by later finishing third while running for England in the World Youth Cross-Country Championships.

Mileson is said to now suffer from the debilitating condition myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) and has only one kidney, which has forced him to reduce his workloads.

His twin passions include running an animal sanctuary at his 100-acre mansion on the outskirts of Carlisle and football.

He first got involved in football sponsorship with non-League teams Marske United and Whitby Town. While watching Whitby lift the FA Vase at Wembley in 1997 he was persuaded to sponsor the Northern League and has since ploughed in more than £280,000.

He has reportedly been interested in buying Carlisle United on three separate occasions and took control of York City's North Yorkshire rivals Scarborough in late October 1999.

He leant the then ailing club £300,000 and paid the Seasiders' administration fees and having put the club's finances on an even-keel sold his majority share-holding to Halifax-based businessman Darrell Littlewood for £4.

Agar, who has been involved in professional football for 20 years at clubs like Middlesbrough, Leeds and Bradford, was chief executive at Scarborough during Mileson's spell there.

Mileson recently gave £15,000 to sponsor the youth team set-up at Scottish League new-boys Gretna and he also sponsors Alison Curbishley, the 1998 Commonwealth Games 400m silver medallist, enabling her to train full-time.

(Reprinted from the York Evening Press, February 24, 2003)

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