Last summer’s ownership note opened, in part, with the following:
Overall, it has been a year filled with learning and improvement, both on and off the pitch. However, we have never been more sure that AB A/S is on its way back to where the club belongs. There is still a lot of work ahead of us, but we are optimistic about what we are building.
A year later, we believe all of the additional progress AB A/S has made, both on and off the pitch, has validated that optimism and leaves us all incredibly excited heading into the 2025-26 campaign.
While last fall was uneven in terms of results, the spring season showed much more clearly and comprehensively the level of our team’s potential. In total, over the final 18 matches of the season, we had a record of 11 wins, 3 draws and 4 defeats, with a +23 goal difference. We also topped the promotion group with 20 points, finishing unbeaten in our final eight matches while playing the attacking style of football we want to play. Now, with a few additions to strengthen the squad this summer and the continuity of having head coach Joey Gudjonsson in place for a second campaign, we believe we can compete for promotion to Betinia Liga.
Off the pitch, the integration of new minority partner Green Owls Football Holdings is going well and, with their help and the work of CEO Sofie Brandi Petersen and her staff, the club expects to see commercial revenue begin to increase starting in Q3 2025. We also will continue to enhance the matchday experience at the stadium and expand our storytelling via all of our media channels, so you can stay better connected to the club and be as invested as we are while watching next season unfold.
We also continue to work closely with Gladsaxe Municipality on numerous fronts, including new initiatives at the stadium and the school fitness program. We are grateful for the Kommune’s continued partnership as we strive to make a lasting, positive impact in the Gladsaxe community.
Additionally, AB A/S’ relationship with the parent club continues to blossom. As disclosed in May, AB A/S continues to provide strategic funding, technology and equipment to support the AB academy, and we were thrilled to see the academy’s U19 side win their league this spring. This happened while a number of academy players were making their mark on the senior team, whether already as regulars or by marking their debuts, hinting at greater promise still to come. We offer congratulations to Simon Andresen and his staff for their excellent accomplishments, and we extend our gratitude to AB Chairman Ulrik Rasch and the parent club’s board and staff for their continued good-faith partnership.
Obviously, all of this costs money, and we continue to invest in all areas of the club in order to enable its long-term growth and stability. When we acquired AB A/S in late 2022, we entered with a full three-season operating plan in 2.Division, and we remain on track with that plan. Our 2024 operating deficit of DKK 15.6 million is a DKK 2 million reduction from 2023, as we eliminated some one-time items and unnecessary costs while not impacting the club’s operation. The next step, as mentioned above, is to grow our commercial revenue, and the club will see the benefits of our efforts on that front shortly. We are well capitalized for the upcoming campaign and have access to additional capital, as needed. Promotion to Betinia Liga is a necessary step in order for the club to be self-sufficient, but it is not required this season. We know nothing is guaranteed in sport, and continue to plan appropriately.
We hope you are happy with what’s happening at AB A/S. We remain humbled to be the stewards of this wonderful club, and we work every day – on the ground and from across the ocean – to make you proud. Thank you for your continued support. We hope you enjoy what could be a really special season ahead!
#Onward in Football!
Sincerely,
Five Castles Football Group
