Mariners near to a deal on naming rights for stadium
SOUTH Shields have confirmed they are in advanced talks to sell the naming rights to their Mariners Park home.
The Mariners have stepped up their search for a ground naming rights partner in the wake of the coronavirus epidemic.
They are now close to an agreement with an unnamed company and have told supporters to expect an announcement ahead of the new Northern Premier League season.
The club’s Head of Business Development Colin Docherty said: “Everyone at the club recognises the emotion attached to the name of football grounds and many supporters will feel torn over the imminent change.
“However, the decision to welcome a naming rights partner has been taken with the prosperity of the club in mind and to assist us with our ambitions of continuing to climb the football pyramid despite the many challenges which have been thrown our way so far in 2020.
“Our goal is to deliver success for our supporters and everyone connected with the club.
“Commercial deals such as this one will give us the best possible opportunity of doing that as we aim to grow sustainably.
“We are hugely grateful for the support of the business we are in discussions with and look forward to announcing an agreement with them soon.
“This is a company we already have a hugely positive relationship with and we look forward to a long and fruitful partnership which will be beneficial for both parties.”
Joint-managers Graham Fenton and Lee Picton completed their first signing of the summer earlier this week as Blackpool goalkeeper Myles Boney completed a permanent move to the club after spending last season on loan at Mariners Park.
Boney said: “I’m very excited to be a South Shields player again.
“It was a very easy decision for me after the good season I enjoyed here on loan.
“From the moment I joined last summer I felt very welcome.”