Ex-Premier League stars say money firm cost them homes
A group of ex-Premier League players say they lost tens of millions after trusting Kingsbridge Asset Management. They claim the firm advised them to invest in failed film and property projects, which left many bankrupt, homeless, and stuck with heavy tax debts. Danny Murphy, now a TV pundit, says he lost about £5 million. The group of retired footballers, known as V11, also includes Michael Thomas, Rod Wallace, and Brian Deane. Reports suggest as many as 200 players may have been affected by the same failed advice.
Rod Wallace, a former Leeds striker, went bankrupt in early 2024 after losing most of his savings. He said his family faced eviction with no money left in the bank. Sean Davis, who once played for Fulham, now works as a painter while paying off a tax bill of £330,000. He admits that depression and dark thoughts have followed him since.
Kingsbridge promoted these schemes as safe and tax-friendly, but many homes proved worthless or sold at false prices. Papers show the firm’s leaders had hidden ties to some projects. The two directors deny any blame, saying the losses came from tax changes and the 2008 crash.
Brian Deane says players were sold false hope and left with nothing. Police closed a probe in 2020 with no charges. The V11 group now calls for law reform so victims do not face tax on failed schemes.
