Gers agree naming rights deal

The weekend revelation that Taylor’s Avenue is to be named the Belfast Loughshore Hotel Arena for 2015-16 campaign has received a mixed reaction from supporters.
By John Gillespie
Published 1st Jul 2015, 09:59 BST
One of the new floodlights at Taylors Avenue. INCT 42-002-PSBOne of the new floodlights at Taylors Avenue. INCT 42-002-PSB
One of the new floodlights at Taylors Avenue. INCT 42-002-PSB

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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The 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.

(l-r) Carrick Rangers' Commercial Director Keith Norris, Chris Kearney (Belfast Loughshore Hotel) with Carrick owner Michael Hughes. INLT 27-940-CON(l-r) Carrick Rangers' Commercial Director Keith Norris, Chris Kearney (Belfast Loughshore Hotel) with Carrick owner Michael Hughes. INLT 27-940-CON
(l-r) Carrick Rangers' Commercial Director Keith Norris, Chris Kearney (Belfast Loughshore Hotel) with Carrick owner Michael Hughes. INLT 27-940-CON

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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In 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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Radio 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.

Related topics:CarrickTwitter