For many years, Tommy Jacobson was involved in Djurgården, including as an investor and chairman. The club won three SM gold medals and three gold cups during that period.
Now the 66-year-old is publishing a book about his life, Money or life, written by journalist Malin Roos.
In the book, Jacobson reveals, among other things, that he and then chairman Bosse Lundquist tried to buy the big Hungarian club Ferencvaros after the golden season of 2003.
Jacobson describes how the two blue-striped leaders had a “madness of grandeur” and aimed high at Djurgården. Very high.
“The goal was singular and uncertain. We didn’t just want to make a big impact on Swedish football. We wanted to build a big club that was leading Europe,” Jacobson writes in the Pengarna or life.
“There was nothing that we couldn’t do, Bosse Lundquist and I. For example, we were completely serious when we started planning to buy Hungarian Ferencváros as a farm club for Djurgården”.
The treasurer tells in the book how he went to Budapest for a meeting with the main representatives of Ferencvaro.
– There was no board decision or anything like that. It was me and Bosse who decided that I should go down there. I went down. “How are we going to solve the payment, then?”, we thought: “We’ll fix that later”, more or less. One thing at a time, Jacobson told the Soccer Channel.
– I got there and thought I had to pass the field. At first I was surprised because it looked like it was going to fall apart. I had seen something completely different in front of me.
Before the meeting with the owner of the club, Jacobson, who was there alone, was picked up in a limousine by a private driver.
– We drove for two hours, longer and longer from Budapest. We came out to a very nice residential area, with the worst view. It was great.
– Then I came in and had to sit down and wait. A very long time. Then it finally came. Dressed just like a mafia guy, in a tight black suit with a black tie and back. He looked absolutely deadly.
In the book, Jacobson writes:
“It was clear he hadn’t been told about my case quickly when he lit a cigarette and looked at me blankly. »So what do you want? «. I felt the sweat begin to flow. What the hell am I? doing here? What am I wearing? How do I get out of here?
Jacobson, fearing for his own safety, had to go back from his original plan.
– I thought: “Damn, I can’t say I’m here to buy his club”.
– I think I tried to lead into something about cooperation and the like. So that he is not killed in it himself. Then I called Bosse (Lundquist) afterwards and I said: “Sir, we’re sorting this out”.
How did you land on Ferencvaros as an option?
– I don’t remember much. I think Bosse and I had been looking for famous brands that were on dekis. It was a bit far for us, but it was a very fun experience.
– I made it out of there safe and sound, but I was very happy when I got on the plane home, I have to say that. He looked absolutely deadly. I thought it could cost me my life if I said I wanted to buy his club, says Jacobson.
Today, Jacobson understands that it feels like a utopia that Djurgården could fight at the top of Europe, and that the idea of buying Ferencvaros as a farm club is interesting.
– Bosse and I really thought we could walk on water. When we were down to the draw for the Champions League qualifiers and Sanny Åslund was there for AIK, who were in the Europa League at the time, I said to him: “You’re going tourist class, I’m going to business”.
– We had a bit of an uproar for a while there, says Jacobson and laughs.
Did it take you anywhere too?
– Yes, of course he did. We were very insightful.
Ferencvaros has won the Hungarian premier league 35 times. This season they are part of the Europa League stage.
2024-11-22 06:00:00
#Revealed #Djurgården #buy #Ferencvaros #farm #club
**How did Djurgården’s ambition to acquire Ferencváros as a “farm club” reflect the club’s overall strategic vision at the time, and what were the potential benefits and drawbacks of this unusual approach?**
## Website Today News Exclusive Interview:
**Topic:** Tommy Jacobson’s Revelations: Djurgården’s Euro Ambitions and the Ferencváros Fiasco
**Introduction:**
Welcome viewers to World Today News! Today we delve into the world of Swedish football and the intriguing revelations unveiled in Tommy Jacobson’s new biography, empower article *Money or Life*. Mr. Jacobson, former chairman and investor in Djurgården, sheds light on a time when the club harbored grand ambitions of European domination, even aiming to acquire Hungarian giants Ferencváros as a “farm club.” Joining us today are:
* **Tommy Jacobson:** Author and former Chairman/Investor of Djurgården Football Club.
* **[Name of Football Analyst]:** Renowned football analyst with expertise in European football dynamics.
**Section 1: The Ambition of Greatness**
**Host:** Tommy, your book reveals a fascinating period for Djurgården. The ambition to become a leading force in European football seems almost audacious. Can you elaborate on the mindset at the time? What fueled this “madness of grandeur,” as you call it?
**[Tommy Jacobson responds]**
**Host:** It’s certainly a bold vision, Tommy. [Football Analyst], what are your thoughts on Djurgården’s vision during that era? Was it realistically achievable given the club’s resources and the landscape of European football at that time?
**[Football Analyst responds]**
**Section 2: The Ferencváros Fiasco**
**Host:** And then there’s the story of Ferencváros. What led you and Bosse Lundquist to consider acquiring a club as prestigious and established as Ferencváros as a “farm club”?
**[Tommy Jacobson responds]**
**Host:** Sounds like a daring maneuver! What do you think motivated this particular choice?
**[Football Analyst responds]**
* **Host:** Tommy, your account of the meeting with the Ferencváros owner paints a rather dramatic scene. Can you elaborate on how your perception of the situation shifted when you landed in Budapest and actually met the man?
**[Tommy Jacobson responds]**
**Section 3: Lessons Learned and Reflections**
**Host:** Looking back, do you feel that the vision of Djurgården as a European powerhouse was a realistic goal, or was it perhaps a product of the exuberance of the time?
**[Tommy Jacobson responds]**
* **Host:** [Football Analyst], from your expert perspective how do clubs like DJurgården realistically aim for continental success in today’s football landscape?
**[Football Analyst responds]**
**Host:** Tommy, what lessons did you take away from this experience, particularly regarding the complexities of international football dealings?
**[Tommy Jacobson responds]**
**Host:**
Thank you, Tommy, and [Football Analyst] for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that Djurgården’s ambition and Tommy’s experiences offer a valuable glimpse into the dynamics and challenges of aiming high in the world of football. For our viewers, we encourage you to explore Tommy’s book, ”Money or Life,” for a deeper dive into this fascinating story.
