Simon Jordan is a name that has made its mark in multiple industries, from mobile telecommunications to football ownership, media commentary, and podcasting. His life story is one of triumphs, financial risks, personal struggles, and relentless reinvention. In this article, we explore the many facets of Simon Jordan’s career, his rise to fame, and his current position as one of the most outspoken voices in British football media.
Early Life and Business Beginnings
Born on September 24, 1967, in Thornton Heath, South London, Simon Jordan had an early exposure to football, largely due to his father’s semi-professional career at Crystal Palace Football Club. This connection would go on to shape Jordan’s life, eventually leading him to own the club he had supported since childhood.
However, before venturing into the world of football, Simon’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to create one of the most successful mobile phone businesses of the late 20th century. In 1994, he co-founded The Pocket Phone Shop. The mobile phone retailer quickly expanded, and by the time he sold it in 2000, it had become one of the largest independent mobile phone chains in the UK. The sale to One2One (later T-Mobile) was reported to be worth a substantial £73 million, marking the start of Jordan’s significant fortune.
Jordan, then only 32 years old, became a self-made millionaire, with vast opportunities ahead in both business and football. This sale was not just a financial victory but the catalyst for his entry into the world of sports ownership.
Crystal Palace: The Dream and the Struggles
In 2000, Simon Jordan fulfilled a dream that had always been close to his heart—he purchased Crystal Palace FC for £10 million, becoming the youngest chairman in the Football League at just 32 years old. It was a bold move that carried both promise and peril.
Under his ownership, Crystal Palace had moments of glory, including promotion to the Premier League in 2004. Jordan was lauded for his ambition, not only in his footballing aspirations but also in attempting to modernize the club. However, the financial pressures of football ownership took their toll. Despite his efforts to stabilize the club, Crystal Palace entered administration in 2010, a dire moment in Jordan’s tenure. Financial mismanagement and heavy investments eventually led to the collapse of his footballing dream, and he lost much of his fortune in the process.
Though his time at Crystal Palace ended in disappointment, Simon Jordan remains a polarizing figure in football, admired by some for his ambition but criticized by others for his financial miscalculations. Still, his time at the club helped solidify his place in British football lore, particularly among the Palace faithful.
Transition to Media: The TalkSPORT Years
After stepping away from football, Simon Jordan sought new opportunities in the media world. With his sharp wit, business acumen, and unapologetic opinions, Jordan quickly established himself as a prominent figure on talkSPORT. He became a regular co-host of the White & Jordan show alongside veteran broadcaster Jim White.
His media career was characterized by candid commentary and his willingness to speak his mind. Whether discussing managerial decisions, player transfers, or the financial state of football, Jordan’s opinions were never bland. He made it a point to challenge the status quo and question the actions of both clubs and individuals within football, regardless of their stature.
On air, Jordan’s controversial and direct style earned him both fans and critics. His willingness to criticize figures like David Moyes for his defensive style of management, or his frequent back-and-forth with Gary Neville, made him one of the more memorable personalities on sports radio. But it wasn’t just football that Jordan commented on—his expertise in business, particularly in the mobile industry and sports economics, provided an intriguing perspective on the world of professional sport.
Simon Jordan’s Podcast and YouTube Presence
In addition to his talkSPORT show, Simon Jordan expanded his media footprint through podcasts and YouTube. His podcast, “Up Front with Simon Jordan,” delves into the behind-the-scenes world of football, offering listeners a no-holds-barred look at the footballing business, player transfers, and club management.
The podcast has become a go-to source for football fans seeking deep dives into the business side of the sport, with interviews from football executives, managers, and former players. Jordan’s approach to podcasting mirrors his on-air persona—bold, direct, and often controversial.
Through his YouTube channel, Simon Jordan’s media presence has grown exponentially. Clips from his talkSPORT show, podcast episodes, and interviews reach millions of fans, allowing him to engage with a broader audience. His content, always infused with his characteristic opinions, keeps him at the center of public discourse in the football world.
Books: Be Careful What You Wish For and Other Writings
In 2012, Simon Jordan released his autobiography, Be Careful What You Wish For, where he candidly shares his journey from business tycoon to football club owner, and the ups and downs he experienced along the way. The book offers a rare glimpse into the world of football ownership, and Jordan’s reflections on his time at Crystal Palace provide readers with insights into the trials and tribulations of running a football club.
The book also touches on themes of ambition, failure, and the challenges of balancing personal passion with business pragmatism. It became a hit with football fans and business enthusiasts alike, offering a unique perspective on the business of sport.
Personal Life: Michelle Dewberry, Family, and More
Simon Jordan’s personal life has been the subject of much speculation, particularly his relationships with Michelle Dewberry and his ex-partner Suzi Walker.
Michelle Dewberry, a businesswoman and former winner of BBC’s The Apprentice, has been in a long-term relationship with Simon Jordan. The couple welcomed a son together in 2020, and Michelle’s own success story in the business world complements Simon’s ventures in media and business.
In addition to his relationship with Michelle, Simon Jordan has a daughter from his previous relationship with Suzi Walker. The two are said to have parted ways amicably, but Suzi’s role in Jordan’s life is still significant, particularly as they co-parent their daughter.
Despite his busy public life, Simon has remained relatively private when it comes to his family, keeping details of his home life out of the spotlight.
Net Worth: A Rollercoaster Journey
Simon Jordan’s financial journey has been a rollercoaster ride. His early fortune from The Pocket Phone Shop set him up for success, but his football investment led to massive losses. At his peak, his net worth was estimated at around £75 million, though this figure dramatically decreased after his exit from Crystal Palace and subsequent business setbacks.
Despite the financial challenges, Jordan has managed to rebuild his wealth through his media career, book sales, and other ventures. Current estimates place his net worth between £5 million to £100 million depending on the source, but it is difficult to pinpoint an exact figure due to his diverse portfolio of businesses, media engagements, and investments.
Controversies and Criticism
Simon Jordan’s career has been filled with controversies, many of which have been a direct result of his outspoken nature. His comments about football managers, clubs, and the broader footballing industry often stir debate. He is especially known for criticizing defensive footballing styles, questioning the handling of player transfers, and challenging football punditry.
In 2020, Jordan made headlines for his critical remarks about David Moyes, who had defended sensitive managers. Jordan, never one to back down, called out Moyes for prioritizing feelings over competitive instincts, further cementing his place as a provocateur in the media landscape.
Jordan’s controversial takes, whether about football culture or the business of sport, ensure that he remains a divisive figure in the world of sports media.
Conclusion: A Life of Reinvention
Simon Jordan’s life story is a compelling tale of reinvention, from a mobile phone retail magnate to a football club owner and then a media personality. His journey hasn’t been without challenges, but it showcases his resilience, willingness to adapt, and relentless pursuit of success.
Today, Simon Jordan is one of the most recognizable voices in British football, known for his direct opinions, sharp business insights, and often controversial remarks. His legacy will likely be defined not only by his ownership of Crystal Palace but also by his ability to navigate multiple industries, making him a true self-made icon in the world of sport and media.
Fun Fact: If you’re interested in hearing more of Simon Jordan’s thoughts on football, business, and life, check out his podcast “Up Front with Simon Jordan”, where he continues to offer an unfiltered look into the world of professional sport.
