Anton Zingarevich

Anton Zingarevich (Russian: Антон Зингаревич) is a Russian businessman best known for being the former owner of Reading Football Club, who play in the English Championship.[1][2] Zingarevich's bid to take over the club was announced in January 2012, and he formally purchased the club on 29 May 2012. Since then, Zingarevich has had minimum interest in the running of the club, however did make the decision to sack manager Brian McDermott,[3][4][5] and the subsequent employment of Nigel Adkins.

Early life and education

Zingarevich is the son of Boris Zingarevich, a Russian multi-billionaire. At the age of 16, Zingarevich began education at Bearwood College, near Wokingham, England, studying there for two years. Whilst studying at Bearwood, Zingarevich would watch Reading F.C. play at Elm Park.[6] Zingarevich studied business at Cass Business School of City University London, and Regents Business School.

Football

Everton

In 2004, Zingarevich was linked with a £20m takeover of Everton.[7] However, the deal was never completed, with Boris Zingarevich issuing a statement saying neither he nor Anton would be purchasing a football club.[8]

Reading

In January 2012, it was announced that Sir John Madejski, the chairman of Championship football club Reading F.C., was in talks with Thames Sport Investment, a company founded by Zingarevich, over a takeover of the club.[9] The deal was completed on 29 May 2012. The takeover had a significant effect on the club's fortunes, persuading star player Jimmy Kébé to sign a new contract and Blackburn Rovers forward Jason Roberts to join the club. Reading were promoted as Champions at the end of the season, prompting Zingarevich to promise to expand the Madejski Stadium and invest in the club's academy. Following Reading's promotion, Zingarevich became heavily involved in helping manager Brian McDermott to sign his transfer targets, personally meeting with Pavel Pogrebnyak and Gylfi Sigurðsson in attempts to convince them to sign for Reading. Pogrebnyak, a Russian international, did sign for Reading, and McDermott praised Zingarevich's contribution[10] On 11 March 2013, Zingarevich sacked McDermott with Reading in 19th place.[4][5][11] Zingarevich described the sacking as "the hardest decision of my life".[12] Since then Zingarevich only made a few more appearances at the club. Now is actively seeking along with Madejski, a new owner for the club. On 2 June 2014, Reading announced that Anton Zingarevich had left the board of the club.[13]

Personal life

In 2008, Zingarevich met his future wife, a Belarusian Victoria's Secret model called Yekaterina Domankova, commonly called Katsia.[14] The couple married in late 2009 and had a child.

References
  1. "Russian tycoon Anton Zingarevich completes Reading takeover". BBC. 29 May 2012. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
  2. Griffin, Alistair (29 May 2012). "Russian businessman Anton Zingarevich completes takeover of newly promoted Reading – Football League – Football". The Independent. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
  3. "Brian McDermott leaves position as Reading manager". BBC Sport. 11 March 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  4. "Reading sack Brian McDermott with Paolo Di Canio favourite to take over". Guardian. 11 March 2013. Retrieved 12 March 2013.
  5. "Reading sack Brian McDermott". ESPN. 11 March 2013. Retrieved 12 March 2013.
  6. "Reading | TSI press conference: the key points". Reading F.C. Archived from the original on 28 January 2012. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
  7. "Kenwright lauds Everton's Russian saviour". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
  8. "Russians deny Everton bid". BBC News. 23 August 2004. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
  9. "Secretive TSI will reveal identity on completion of Reading FC deal – Reading FC – Football – Sport – getreading – Reading Post". getreading. 23 January 2012. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
  10. Anthony Smith (28 June 2012). "McDermott: Anton key in Reading FC signing Pogrebnyak". Reading Chronicle. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  11. "Brian McDermott leaves position as Reading manager". BBC Sport. 11 March 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
  12. "Reading owner Anton Zingarevich bares soul over Brian McDermott sacking". Sky Sports. 12 March 2013. Retrieved 23 March 2013.
  13. "On June 2nd 2014 Reading FC announced that Anton Zingarevich had left the board of the club". Reading Football Club. 2 June 2014. Retrieved 2 June 2014.
  14. "Who is Mr. Zingarevich? – Football – Sports.ru". En.sports.ru. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
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