JUNE 1, 2009

French Quidditch investors, Antoine and Philip Hanover (better known in the UK as the grandfather and uncle of current Montrose Magpies keeper Ian Cuddyer), have announced their intentions to buy a team in the British and Irish League. When the initial rumblings of the plan started to surface, many speculated that they would pour their funds into the team that a member of the family plays for (Montrose), as they have already done in France with the Marseille Metros. It was also thought that the two would want to invest in a team that was closer to the top of the league standings -- which would certainly have a steeper price tag but would be a more profitable use of their finances.

Surprisingly, the Hanovers have courted neither course of action and have instead bought outright the perennial losing team, the Chudley Canons. Despite the naysayers, the Hanovers believe that they can make a winning franchise out of the team. An increase in capitol surely can’t hurt the Canons’ prospects to at least pull out of last place in the standings and maybe manage a winning season.

In speaking briefly to the elder Hanover, he said that the infusion of young, promising talent should be able to make a difference, particularly in providing the Canons fans with a group of franchise players that they can get excited about and want ultimately want to support.

Though both Antoine and Philip are expected to be in attendance at various events this summer scouting for new players to sign. One such event will likely be the upcoming camp that will choose squads for the British, Irish, Welsh and Scottish Under-21 National Teams.

OOC Note: For the new Quidditch Season which will begin in late August 2009, it is hopeful that the Canons will be one of the featured teams (to go along with current ones, Falmouth and Montrose, and possibly one other if there is enough interest). Two players are already in the works to play for Chudley, but more are needed to have a full team. Don’t have a Quidditch Secondary yet? Create one of your own or consider adopting one from this list. Remember that all AO writers, new and old, can have one Quidditch Secondary that you only have to play during matches!