Motherwell's fan-ownership vehicle has attracted an unlikely convert – a Chinese sports commentator with no links to the Lanarkshire club.

Shen Xiao, who works mainly on NFL coverage on Chinese channels such as Tencent Sports and CCTV, has joined the Well Society and purchased shares in the club after being intrigued by the ownership model.

The Beijing-based broadcaster has even visited Fir Park and met Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson after throwing himself into his new passion.

He said: "The Green Bay Packers have always attracted me, for one important reason: the team is owned by fans who all bought a piece of the Green Bay Packers in a public stock sale, unlikely any other NFL team.

"I hoped one day I could find a fan-owned football club, to figure out all the details on how public ownership works.

"Finally, I found Motherwell FC and I am impressed by the massive improvements on and off the field."

Well Society Board member Jason Henderson added: "What such stories do is remind us that Motherwell Football Club has the kind of history and underdog reputation that appeals to sports fans all over the planet, and our successful transition into becoming the first fully fan-owned, top-flight club in the UK simply makes us even more unique.

"The Well Society members are now integral to the progress of the club as a whole – we are delighted Shen Xiao has decided to support us and he can now consider himself as the founding member of the Beijing Motherwell Supporters Club."