J. Steven Wharton
Encyclopedia
J. Steven Wharton is the chairman and majority shareholder of Scunthorpe United FC.
Steve Wharton became chairman at the start of the 2001-2002 season, replacing his father in the role. However, he later announced his resignation after stating that he would resign if the club were not promoted to the then titled Division Two.
He returned as chairman in 2004 after a boardroom battle with his then replacement Chris Holland. He immediately re-appointed then manager Brian Laws
following his sacking three weeks earlier. Along with Holland, three other board members resigned from the Glanford Park
club.
. This family business of shipping and freight transport was founded by his grandfather Joseph but its sale was announced in 2005.
Wharton joined the business in 1961, and was instrumental in the continuing growth and success of the company. His personal fortune is an estimated £33 million.
. One employee of Wharton recalls Mr Heseltine arriving by helicopter to visit him.
Football chairman
When he was four years old, his father, Jack, gave him £50-worth of Scunthorpe United shares.Steve Wharton became chairman at the start of the 2001-2002 season, replacing his father in the role. However, he later announced his resignation after stating that he would resign if the club were not promoted to the then titled Division Two.
He returned as chairman in 2004 after a boardroom battle with his then replacement Chris Holland. He immediately re-appointed then manager Brian Laws
Brian Laws
Brian Laws is an English former footballer and manager, most recently of Burnley.Playing as a defender, Laws made over 100 appearances for each of Burnley, Middlesbrough, and Nottingham Forest. In 1994, Laws became player-manager of Grimsby Town before taking a similar position with Scunthorpe...
following his sacking three weeks earlier. Along with Holland, three other board members resigned from the Glanford Park
Glanford Park
Glanford Park is a football stadium in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, England, and the current home of Scunthorpe United. It is the smallest stadium by capacity in the Championship ....
club.
Business
He was the previous head of the Wharton shipping complex at nearby GunnessGunness
Gunness is a civil parish and small village situated on the east bank of the River Trent and deriving its name from forming a ness or promontory in the River Trent....
. This family business of shipping and freight transport was founded by his grandfather Joseph but its sale was announced in 2005.
Wharton joined the business in 1961, and was instrumental in the continuing growth and success of the company. His personal fortune is an estimated £33 million.
2008 illness
On 17 March 2008, he suffered a suspected heart attack and was admitted to hospital. He was released from hospital on 26 March and spent time at home recovering. He returned to club duties in July.Personal life
Wharton is also a close friend with former deputy prime minister Michael HeseltineMichael Heseltine
Michael Ray Dibdin Heseltine, Baron Heseltine, CH, PC is a British businessman, Conservative politician and patron of the Tory Reform Group. He was a Member of Parliament from 1966 to 2001 and was a prominent figure in the governments of Margaret Thatcher and John Major...
. One employee of Wharton recalls Mr Heseltine arriving by helicopter to visit him.