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TRANMERE ROVERS & EASTHAM LODGE GOLF CLUB JOIN FORCES
Our inside man at Prenton Park , Martyn Best , shares with us news of a collaboration between Wirral ’ s Family Club and Wirral ’ s Friendly Club .
Tranmere Rovers Football Club recently announced that Executive Chairman , Mark Palios has agreed to become the next President of Eastham Lodge Golf club . Thus , the football club known locally as Wirral ' s Family Club is joining forces with one of the Peninsula ’ s most well-established golf clubs , known as Wirral ’ s Friendly Club .
In taking up the role , Mark continues to build on Eastham Lodge ’ s remarkable heritage of notable figures related to football . Their first president was Joe Mercer , who played both for Everton and England , going on to manage the latter . Joe ’ s wife held the baton , and a 3 iron , for a while before passing it on to Manchester United and England ’ s , Sir Bobby Charlton . After him Liverpool , Scotland and TV legend , Ian St . John held the post for almost 10 years before his passing in 2021 .
So with Everton , United and Liverpool in the golf club ’ s DNA they were especially privileged to continue that tradition with Wirral ’ s very own Tranmere Rovers .
Mark ’ s football career saw him play over 400 professional matches with nine years spent at the Rovers . Post-football he had a very successful career in finance specialising in business turnarounds , working in the accounting sector , most notably for local firm Arthur Young , now part of Ernst & Young , and then PwC where he won numerous awards for his approach to business finance .
From 2003 to 2004 , Mark was the Chief Executive of The Football Association and in 2014 , together with his wife , Nicola , took over the controlling interest in Tranmere Rovers where he became the Executive Chairman . As is the nature of football the years since have seen both highs and lows as he has overseen two promotions , some incredible cup ties and four trips to Wembley , which many of us have taken part in .
Steve George , the Chairman of Eastham Lodge Golf Club , welcomed Mark , “ As your readers now , Tranmere Rovers are more than a football club , sitting at the heart of the community .
“ Their close relationship with Wirral Council and their large network of outreach facilities via businesses and charities make a real difference to many lives . Eastham Lodge share the same values and we are renowned for our charity work .
“ Mark ’ s plans for the football club are ambitious , and like us , they are on a journey to seek the next phase of development for the future of the club .”
Mark responded , “ I was flattered to be asked to follow in the shoes of such august football characters and become the President of Eastham Lodge Golf Club , especially as it is clear that the Golf Club espouses the same values that we do at Tranmere Rovers .
The plans to develop the Golf Club are exciting and have the same positive ambition as we also look to develop our own plans for the football club and reinforce our position as an anchor institution on the Wirral . I look forward to both clubs working together in the coming years for the benefit of golf club members , our fans and our community .”
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