James Bord profiled as COH Sports consultant enters Sheffield Wednesday takeover race
Former poker player and COH Sports consultant James Bord is leading one of the parties still in the Sheffield Wednesday takeover race.
English entrepreneur and former poker player James Bord is understood to be the leader of a third party interested in buying Sheffield Wednesday.
After going into administration for the first time in their rich and colourful history in October, interest expressed in the Owls, both at home and from abroad, has been rife, with tens of parties contacting administrators to declare their interest.
After originally setting a target date of December 5 to name a preferred bidder, joint administrator Kris Wigfield confirmed the deadline had come too soon to make a final decision because of the volume of interest that had been expressed in buying the club.
MORE: Sheffield United-linked former poker player in Sheffield Wednesday takeover race - more details
Wednesday, in a bid to avoid starting next season on -15, need to be sold for a price in the region of £30million. The Star revealed last week that former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is still in the race and is considering making an improved offer.
However, it is now understood Bord has entered the running. It is believed Bord, who has served as a consultant to COH Sports, the group that owns Sheffield United, would act as Owls chairman in the event of his group securing the keys to Hillsborough. It is also understood former Celtic and Hearts attacker John Colquhoun - an agent and consultant with a range of business interests - is assisting Bord with his bid.
But who is Bord, and what is his background? Here, The Star has put together a profile on the Stanmore-born businessman.
Who is James Bord?
Bord is a 44-year-old businessman who was born in Stanmore, Greater London. After starting out as a banker, he made a name for himself as a professional poker player before later setting up his own data science company - Short Circuit Science.
In January this year, Bord, alongside Evan Sofer, completed a takeover of Scottish club Dunfermline Athletic. The duo also have minority stakes in Spanish club Cordoba CF, while Bord has a similar investment in Bulgarian club Septemvri Sofi.
How has he built his wealth?
As already documented, Bord made both a name for himself and his fortune by becoming a professional poker player. It is reported his biggest win came in the 2010 World Series of Poker Europe Main Event, winning $1,313,611. He was also the first British champion.
Bord has since founded Short Circuit Science - a company which specialises in data science. AI is a key part of their expertise, meaning Bord has been a consultant to COH Sports. They have used AI to identify a cluster of signings at Bramall Lane since buying the Blades a year ago.
On how they use AI data technology, a section on the Short Circuit Science website says: “We employ state-of-the-art AI algorithms to conduct comprehensive player analysis. Through meticulous tracking of movements, skills, and crucial statistics, we delve deep into the data to reveal actionable insights.
“Our findings serve as the foundation for tailored training programs, effective talent scouting, and optimal player development. By harnessing the power of advanced analytics, we help unleash the full potential of athletes and drive success in the world of sports.”
How is Bord involved with United?
Bord became a big part of United’s data-driven recruitment model after COH Sports bought the club last year. It is understood Short Circuit Science played a key role in the Blades completing the wildcard signings of Jefferson Caceres, who now plays for Dunfermline, Christian Nwachukwu and Mihail Polendakov, each of whom have never played for the Blades in a competitive fixture.
Additionally, it is understood Bord was heavily involved in the decision that saw United axe Chris Wilder and replace him with Rubén Sellés back in June. The former Hull City boss lost each of his seven games in charge and was sacked in September.
The Star understands Bord was involved in the recent speculative enquiry to buy Wednesday that sent shockwaves through the Steel City.
Bord is believed to be involved at United in a consultant-type-role, rather than in an official capacity with COH Sports. It means that would not preclude him from taking over another club in England under FA rules which prohibit multi-club ownership.
What has been said about Bord?
Speaking about Bord’s role at Bramall Lane earlier this year, United chief executive Stephen Bettis told BBC Radio Sheffield: “James has a data and AI model around identifying talent that we think is maybe slightly different to anybody else but still along the same lines.
“He heavily influenced some of the young, emerging talent we signed and the owners were willing to take that risk on the basis that they were relatively small transfer fees and contracts. We’ve done four, potentially five, and probably if one of them works, we’re in front from a financial perspective.
“With the ‘normal’ recruitment, it’s an additional help. We identify a number of players in each position, and we send them to James and his team to run them through their AI and data machines to assist in the process. It’s a kind of sense-check.”