Gers agree naming rights deal
The Times broke the news on Twitter on Saturday afternoon and fans of the club, as well as supporters of rival teams, weren’t slow to offer their views.
While some were quick to criticise, for others the commercial side of the agreement took precedence.
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Hide AdThe move to award the naming rights to the Belfast Road hotel has been described as a ‘lucrative sponsorship deal’ by Carrick, but exactly how much the club has gained in financial terms has not been made public.
But former Northern Ireland international Michael Hughes, the club’s owner, said the partnership had ‘mammoth potential for both parties’.
Carrick’s recently-appointed Commercial Director, Keith Norris, said: “This is a statement of intent and we are looking to establish mutually beneficial relationships with our corporate partners, large and small. As a small business owner, I appreciate that everything in business has to be a slave to marketing and how advertising must deliver meaningful results.”
CRFC’s General Manager, Andrew McDowell, added: “This deal shows our corporate partners share the same ambition as Carrick Rangers and we are in negotiations with several others. These are exciting times and atmosphere is building already in anticipation of the new season.”
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Hide AdIn a statement to the Times, a club spokesman said: “The hotel have requested we do not announce the deal amount at this time.
“However, it is a fresh source of income to CRFC that wasn’t previously available, and the club plans to invest accordingly to sustain top-flight football.”
Long-time Carrick supporter Adrian Hack tweeted: “Great commercial move. Taylor’s Avenue is the address. The ground was never officially called that.”
He added: “[The name is] not exactly catchy, but you can’t help that. Not 100 percent sure about arena. Prefer old school stadium.”
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Hide AdRadio broadcaster and Carrick supporter Michael Clarke wrote: “I have never been a fan of renaming football grounds but that’s business. You can’t run a club on nostalgia.”
The first match at the Belfast Loughshore Hotel Arena is set to be played on Wednesday, August 12 as Carrick entertain Linfield in the Danske Bank Premiership.
They kick off their bid to consolidate in the top-flight with a trip to Dungannon Swifts on August 8.
Meanwhile, midfielderConor McCloskey and defender Aaron Traynor have committed themselves to another season with the club.