Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Elton is a Diamond
Airdrie are set to make a new signing this weekend - with Elton John to be gifted his own Diamonds top.
BF Graphics have created a personalised strip which will be handed to the star as he prepares to play on Airdrieonians’ home turf.
The Coatdyke business have already been involved in creating pop-up banners and lanyards for the hospitality ticket holders for the gig, but have taken their work one step further with the unique gift.
Karen McGinty of BF Graphics admitted she had originally thought it was a joke when they were approached by Elton John’s team to work with them ahead of the show.
She is delighted the business, owned by fiance Barrie Ferguson, will be able to contribute to the historic gig.
“We have been working with the club as a partner since commercial manager Dougy Allsop came to us,” said Karen.
“We have been printing the numbers on the back of strips, and had seen quite a lot of business come in from it, but when we got a call from someone saying they were from Elton John’s management I thought it was one of our friends winding us up!
“It turned out to be for real and we have been working closely with them throughout the gig.
“The Airdrieonians Supporters Trust and the club came to us with the idea of an Elton John top to hand over and we thought it was a great idea with all our involvement so far.
“It really is a bit of a oneman-band here with Barrie putting in so much work.
“It’s great to be able to do something with this for the local club and a name like Elton John.
“We are very proud to be working with a global superstar. “Hopefully he likes it!” Karen says she has been a big fan of Elton for years, and is disappointed that she won’t be able to go and see him live at the Excelsior Stadium as she and her fiance are saving for their nuptials.
“We are still considering getting tickets – but maybe it’s just not for us this year with the wedding!”