At the midway point of the close season, the Fleet’s commercial staff are reporting a bumper summer thus far with targets achieved and plenty of positive moves going on behind the scenes.
Following the signing of Ebou Adams, there are offers issued to further targets as Daryl McMahon aims to tie up deals through June. Pitch renovation work continues with a new Head Groundsman poised to complete that before the first set of pre-season games.
Vice chairman Dean Pooley said, “It has certainly been a very busy close season and it is only three weeks to our opening friendly match against Billericay Town. Every single sponsorship opportunity has been sold, we are close to selling 100% of perimeter and programme advertising, 75% of player kit sponsorships have been sold and as soon as the fixture list is issued we will be contacting all those companies and individuals who have asked to be put on a waiting list.
“We have also agreed a two-year deal for our new training ground facility. The pitch is beginning to look fantastic as well as our new astroturf surface in the technical areas and we have appointed a new Head Groundsman as well as a new Head Chef. I have written so many legal and commercial agreements I feel like I could open up my own law firm! The Plough End project has undergone a detailed budgeting exercise and we now have a realistic provisional costing for the proposed development of circa £7.5m; that is currently being reviewed.
“What’s more, we have sourced a new range of modern retail merchandise which will go on sale with our new replica home and away shirts on 2nd July. Season-ticket sales are at a new record level and applications are still coming in for those. And half-season tickets are about to go on sale for those fans who can’t attend every game.
“In terms of the squad, the team will once again travel to Portugal for our pre-season training camp in July. On the player front, we have captured the highly sought-after Ebou Adams and are closing in on a number of other target signings. These don’t happen overnight, they take time to close but we are pleased with our progress.
“And finally, I would like to thank Dave Archer and all the staff for a fantastic team effort over the summer – and of course I wish Dave every success in his new role back at Charlton Athletic.”
