Noel White

Noel White
Noel White in 2012
Born	16 December 1929 Altrincham, Cheshire
Years active	1955 to present

Noel White BEM (born 16 December 1929) is a retired businessman, football club chairman, director and administrator from the North West of England. He is one of the founding architects of The Premier League and is Life Vice President of The Football Association.

White and Swales Ltd was founded in Altrincham by Noel White and Peter Swales in 1955. They initially sold Sheet Music, Records, Musical Instruments and Accessories before moving into the flourishing market of television rentals. They had by this time opened a total 15 branches in Cheshire and South Manchester.

Following the sale of White and Swales, Noel moved on to run and own the Bowdon Hotel in Altrincham. Following major extensions and improvements this brought the hotel a 3 star rating which it still has. White went on to sell the Bowdon Hotel in 1986. It is currently operated under the Mercure Hotels banner.

Noel White first came to football prominence, when he and fellow businessman, Peter Swales took over Altrincham Football Club in February 1961. At the time Altrincham F.C. were struggling at the foot of The Cheshire County Football League and on the verge of bankruptcy. White and Swales had read a passionate letter in the local newspaper from 11-year-old Brian Lomax. White was Vice-Chairman of Altrincham F.C until 1967, when Peter Swales moved on to become a director at Manchester City F.C.. White then became Chairman of Altrincham F.C. for 19 years before becoming a director of Liverpool Football Club in 1986. During his tenure as Chairman, he and his board turned Altrincham from nobodies into one of the leading clubs outside The Football League. Upon leaving Altrincham F.C. in 1986 White was appointed club President a position he still holds. He is also President of the Evo Stik Northern Premier League and a life member of The Football Conference.