Novice claims a Third Title

American owner helps Herediano to be crowned champions once again

- Bryan Kay

A “gringo” who admits he knew next to nothing about the game before taking over one of Costa Rica’s most cherished teams, David Patey is the most unlikely of football club owners. Yet the 40-year-old American has transformed the fortunes of provincial side Herediano, both on and off the pitch, and overseen a remarkable turnaround that ended with victory in the Final of the Campeonato de Verano (summer championship) and a third league title of his stewardship.

Based in the city of Heredia – which is a short drive northwest of the capital San Jose, where the country’s most successful club, Deportivo Saprissa, are based – Herediano are ultimately owned by a local sports association. However, after winning their first title for 20 years in 2012, they were plunged into severe financial straits when a franchise-like management agreement with an outside party went sour. And that was when Patey stepped in to steady the ship.