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Town seek new sponsor as Kingswood are axed over debt
7:30am Monday 17th March 2008
Comments (77)NICK Watkins has vowed to find a new backer who will help Town continue their rise from the financial ashes - after it was revealed the club have cut ties with main sponsors Kingswood Group.
Swindon's chief executive admitted the club has severed links with Kingswood - who only signed a five-year deal worth around £100,000 a year in June - with immediate effect, due to increasing money owed.
Watkins, pictured, insists the club will not be rushed into finding a successor but admitted, with the 2008/09 kit set to be launched in July, the sooner they attract a new sponsor the better.
Work has already gone into the task though, with Kingswood's withdrawal predicted for a while, and Watkins is emphasising the importance of this time getting the right company on board.
He said: "It is not just about a name on the shirts. We need to find someone who will work with us in terms of the club's ethics, and in terms of the community.
"We had to withdraw from Kingswood because they had not paid their money and going forward under new ownership we don't want to work in any past uncertainty.
"I can understand why the previous regime went with Kingswood, but it was a knee-jerk reaction and I don't think anyone really thought about the long term.
"There is already interest though and people are beginning to say here is a chance of joining a club that is rising from the ashes and we could be part of a much better future'."
Club director Jeremy Wray concedes the immediate lack of revenue is a short-term blow but he insists work is already well under way to secure a bright financial future.
He said: "Nick is already well ahead of the game in terms of finding new sponsors. We know we will not be getting the money we thought we would until the summer but it is not as though we had not seen it coming."
The Swindon Advertiser tried to contact Kingswood Group last night without success.
Your Say YourThis Is Swindon Town FC
mr big, Swindon says...
8:08am Mon 17 Mar 08
International Robin, Swindon says...
8:09am Mon 17 Mar 08
bagofsweets, Dubai says...
8:26am Mon 17 Mar 08
danielread, Swindon/Bath says...
8:37am Mon 17 Mar 08
Dorset Red, Dorset says...
8:41am Mon 17 Mar 08
Time to put my shirts through the machine on a 60 degree wash cycle!!
Peter Wilson, Wantage says...
8:49am Mon 17 Mar 08
danielread wrote:The club have always brought in new shirt designs for the new season whether the sponsor changes or not, and of course if you feel you're being conned, then as a consumer you have a choice - don't buy one. Simple.
What a surprise, I bet the actual meeting went like this. 'How can we con the fans into buying a new shirt next year?', 'I know lets keep the kit the same and change the sponsor'
danielsan, London says...
9:08am Mon 17 Mar 08
James Bye, Swindon says...
9:21am Mon 17 Mar 08
Custodian, Swindon says...
9:29am Mon 17 Mar 08
M Mack, Highworth says...
9:32am Mon 17 Mar 08
Peterpipier, Swindon says...
9:36am Mon 17 Mar 08
Born@Lyneham, Chilterns says...
9:36am Mon 17 Mar 08
MITTED, Swindon says...
10:00am Mon 17 Mar 08
Born@Lyneham wrote:£100,000 a year for shirt sponsorship and the naming rights of a main stand is the going rate for lower league football. £50-60K per year is the going rate for shirt sponsorship only. The previous regime apparently tried to get £100k without the stand naming rights, hence why so many potential sponsors baulked.
Good long term move, 100,000 a year seems a bit light. Can we please stop naming the replacement to the 'Aldershot Tattoo' stand after the sponsor, its getting very confusing.
Mr Cynical, Swindon says...
10:06am Mon 17 Mar 08
02hodgsol, mighty highworth! says...
10:20am Mon 17 Mar 08
Peter Wilson wrote:talking about the shirts,,,, u can get replacement shirts from the club shop if the badge or letters are fading (free, no receipt required, no questions asked)
NICK Watkins saysit was a knee-jerk reaction and I don't think anyone really thought about the long term.Surprise surprise, the standard MO of the last regime about most things. Lucky the sponsorship logo comes of the shirts when washed, at least it gives us an opportunity of sticking on our own DIY replacement logos until the end of the season :-)
swindonforever, swindon says...
10:22am Mon 17 Mar 08
Hertz, swindon says...
10:23am Mon 17 Mar 08
Winalot
stfclondon, says...
10:52am Mon 17 Mar 08
Russ STFC, swindon says...
11:00am Mon 17 Mar 08
M Mack wrote:you must be joking the diamond badge looked like something school kids thought up,the badge we got now is perfect,its got our heritage on it,the train,that stupid S meant nothing.
New sponsor, new shirt, how about a new club badge. I havn't bought the latest gear as the new club badge is awful. Even the old diamond badge was better, and that was pants.
tans, oxfordshire says...
11:07am Mon 17 Mar 08
Thats the greek idiot for you i guess.
H, Swindon says...
11:29am Mon 17 Mar 08
Mr Cynical wrote:Yeah they've finally seen the light......and turned it off.
speaking of money and debt - did anyone notice how quick the flodlights were turned off on Saturday. How much did that save??
M Mack, Highworth says...
11:52am Mon 17 Mar 08
Russ STFC wrote:No, not joking, the new/old badge has not aged well and looks very dated. It looks especially bad on a strip that looks like it could be worn by the crew of Thunderbirds.
M Mack wrote: New sponsor, new shirt, how about a new club badge. I havn't bought the latest gear as the new club badge is awful. Even the old diamond badge was better, and that was pants.you must be joking the diamond badge looked like something school kids thought up,the badge we got now is perfect,its got our heritage on it,the train,that stupid S meant nothing.
blobster, Bradford on Avon says...
11:56am Mon 17 Mar 08
The engine is a tank locomotive, so it should not have a tender behind it
Sorry for being so sad
Peter Wilson, Wantage says...
12:07pm Mon 17 Mar 08
blobster wrote:...and the colour should be green as well - the colour of GWR locomotives. Not that I know that really :-)
The locomotive on the badge is all wrong though
The engine is a tank locomotive, so it should not have a tender behind it
Sorry for being so sad
Personally I prefer the new badge, it not only has some relevance to our heritage, but the previous one looked like some sort of kite drawn by a child.
ratpack, swindon says...
12:07pm Mon 17 Mar 08
gallon76, carshalton says...
12:16pm Mon 17 Mar 08
02hodgsol wrote:There was something on the club website - but only if you had brought it the shirt in the last three months. But then I think you would need to have a receipt.
Peter Wilson wrote:talking about the shirts,,,, u can get replacement shirts from the club shop if the badge or letters are fading (free, no receipt required, no questions asked)NICK Watkins saysit was a knee-jerk reaction and I don't think anyone really thought about the long term.Surprise surprise, the standard MO of the last regime about most things. Lucky the sponsorship logo comes of the shirts when washed, at least it gives us an opportunity of sticking on our own DIY replacement logos until the end of the season :-)
mr big, Swindon says...
12:21pm Mon 17 Mar 08
brocky, Calne says...
12:26pm Mon 17 Mar 08
stavros, swindon wiltshire says...
12:45pm Mon 17 Mar 08
blobster, Bradford on Avon says...
12:47pm Mon 17 Mar 08
Good spot: Mr Big: that's business for you
feed the coor!, Aldershot says...
1:29pm Mon 17 Mar 08
Advice much appreciated!
blobster, Bradford on Avon says...
1:55pm Mon 17 Mar 08
Good spot: Mr Big: that's business for you
stuart randall, poort de soller mallorca says...
2:55pm Mon 17 Mar 08
Me I wouldeven work from here and i know I could attract money sponsers to the club, still all to me with this takeover is not what it appears to be.
Hope I am wrong
good luck fr season
Stickshaker, Paris says...
3:18pm Mon 17 Mar 08
Peter Wilson, Wantage says...
3:27pm Mon 17 Mar 08
stuart randall wrote:Ha ha ha, this post is so funny it must be a wind up.
First i thought with af and all this mega funding+ expert commercialmanagement the club could do better, first get rid of brunel radio, also it appears to me they have no expertise in commercial management, still AF is the boss.
Me I wouldeven work from here and i know I could attract money sponsers to the club, still all to me with this takeover is not what it appears to be.
Hope I am wrong
good luck fr season
Obviously youve havent been to the ground recently or you would have noticed lots of commercial improvements: seats being replaced in Stratton Bank (did you notice they were going missing last year?) fresh paint round the Arkells Stand, more advertising hoardings on the Town End, programme booths outside, more food outlets open, staff wearing uniforms blimey, the list goes on and on and on.
What do you expect to happen in 3 months miracles?
If you also turned up to Trust meetings with the new owners, you would have known that its been confirmed that Brunel FM will more than likely be kicked into touch this summer - these things don't happen overnight.
I dont wish to be rude, but please trying living in the real world.
blobster, Bradford on Avon says...
3:43pm Mon 17 Mar 08
He used to run a pub in Swindon that had strippers at lunchtime
Huge commercial expertise and excellent spelling to boot
themoonraker, swindon says...
4:17pm Mon 17 Mar 08
When AF and co. were appointed they promised 'more openness with the fans'.....SINCE WHEN WERE THE TRUST APPOINTED AS SOLE VOICE OF FANS OF STFC?
Come on Mr Fitton use radio, TV, Newspapers and Internet as your mouthpiece, also how about some open evenings at the club?
I have attended a TRUST meeting and was appalled at the attitude towards anybody who dared not share the same view as the TRUST members.
Stick to your word Mr Fitton and communicate with THE FANS, not merely with a bunch of self opinionated, sycophantic,wannabes
, who actually only represent the minority of STFC Fans!
Deano, witney says...
4:49pm Mon 17 Mar 08
revels59, shaw says...
4:51pm Mon 17 Mar 08
themoonraker wrote:a tad confrontational but TRUE
In part reply to Peter Wilson......'If you also turned up to Trust meetings with the new owners, you would have known that its been confirmed that Brunel FM will more than likely be kicked into touch this summer - these things don't happen overnight.'....Have I missed something here? When AF and co. were appointed they promised 'more openness with the fans'.....SINCE WHEN WERE THE TRUST APPOINTED AS SOLE VOICE OF FANS OF STFC? Come on Mr Fitton use radio, TV, Newspapers and Internet as your mouthpiece, also how about some open evenings at the club? I have attended a TRUST meeting and was appalled at the attitude towards anybody who dared not share the same view as the TRUST members. Stick to your word Mr Fitton and communicate with THE FANS, not merely with a bunch of self opinionated, sycophantic,wannabes , who actually only represent the minority of STFC Fans!
Captain T, Swindon says...
4:51pm Mon 17 Mar 08
Dogbreath, Essex says...
4:54pm Mon 17 Mar 08
Dogbreath, Essex says...
5:02pm Mon 17 Mar 08
daze, says...
6:17pm Mon 17 Mar 08
My money's on Intel or Honda being sponsors. I don't think it'll be good business to pour more of your own money into the club when you can get someone else to do it.
Stfc Romain, swindon says...
6:27pm Mon 17 Mar 08
stavros wrote:WHATS WRONG WITH PINEHURST. ITS THE HEART OV SWINDON....PLUS THATS WERE IM FROM....O WELL GET YA POINT
me too mickey mouse sponsors anyway ,let them get down pinehurst rec and sponsor a team there
MITTED, Swindon says...
6:43pm Mon 17 Mar 08
themoonraker wrote:Jeremy Wray attended an OPEN meeting to ALL fans. I have NEVER heard any fans' opinions ignored at a meeting nor has the Trust ever appointed itself as the sole voice of the fans - even the anti-christ, Maverick had his opinions respectfully listened to! (That's a joke about Maverick being the anti-christ by the way!) You might not be agreed with - I have brought up topics which others have not agreed with but they all had the courtesy to listen. For the your benefit, Jeremy did say that the club will be re-initiating the Fans Forums at the club, and they will be honest, open and unsensored. Sorry for the rant, but it **** me off when people make scurrilous accusations without a shred of evidence.
In part reply to Peter Wilson......'If you also turned up to Trust meetings with the new owners, you would have known that its been confirmed that Brunel FM will more than likely be kicked into touch this summer - these things don't happen overnight.'....Have I missed something here? When AF and co. were appointed they promised 'more openness with the fans'.....SINCE WHEN WERE THE TRUST APPOINTED AS SOLE VOICE OF FANS OF STFC? Come on Mr Fitton use radio, TV, Newspapers and Internet as your mouthpiece, also how about some open evenings at the club? I have attended a TRUST meeting and was appalled at the attitude towards anybody who dared not share the same view as the TRUST members. Stick to your word Mr Fitton and communicate with THE FANS, not merely with a bunch of self opinionated, sycophantic,wannabes , who actually only represent the minority of STFC Fans!
janaageaeroplane, London says...
6:57pm Mon 17 Mar 08
super reds, timbucktoo says...
7:12pm Mon 17 Mar 08
ratpack wrote:Read the report ratpack, it clearly says 100k a year over 5 years
It was 100k over 5 years
Peter Wilson, Wantage says...
7:17pm Mon 17 Mar 08
MITTED wrote:Well said, it seems to escape some fans' notice that it's ALSO up to them to make the effort to seek out information regarding the club. If you can't be bothered then don't complain when you're sometimes left in the dark
themoonraker wrote:Jeremy Wray attended an OPEN meeting to ALL fans. I have NEVER heard any fans' opinions ignored at a meeting nor has the Trust ever appointed itself as the sole voice of the fans - even the anti-christ, Maverick had his opinions respectfully listened to! (That's a joke about Maverick being the anti-christ by the way!) You might not be agreed with - I have brought up topics which others have not agreed with but they all had the courtesy to listen. For the your benefit, Jeremy did say that the club will be re-initiating the Fans Forums at the club, and they will be honest, open and unsensored. Sorry for the rant, but it **** me off when people make scurrilous accusations without a shred of evidence.
In part reply to Peter Wilson......'If you also turned up to Trust meetings with the new owners, you would have known that its been confirmed that Brunel FM will more than likely be kicked into touch this summer - these things don't happen overnight.'....Have I missed something here? When AF and co. were appointed they promised 'more openness with the fans'.....SINCE WHEN WERE THE TRUST APPOINTED AS SOLE VOICE OF FANS OF STFC? Come on Mr Fitton use radio, TV, Newspapers and Internet as your mouthpiece, also how about some open evenings at the club? I have attended a TRUST meeting and was appalled at the attitude towards anybody who dared not share the same view as the TRUST members. Stick to your word Mr Fitton and communicate with THE FANS, not merely with a bunch of self opinionated, sycophantic,wannabes , who actually only represent the minority of STFC Fans!
Born@Lyneham, Chilterns says...
7:50pm Mon 17 Mar 08
steve, brentford says...
7:51pm Mon 17 Mar 08
Andy, Misterton, Nr Yeovil says...
8:03pm Mon 17 Mar 08
Stfc Romain, swindon says...
8:37pm Mon 17 Mar 08
steve wrote:yes it is.ARE YOU STEVE CREZWELL FROM POPULAR AV
Stfc romain is this the same whitworth rd clan that knows crezzy if so can u let me know.COME ON U REDS
stavros, swindon wiltshire says...
8:38pm Mon 17 Mar 08
Stfc Romain wrote:ever since the bar on the rec got trashed by gypsys ,i was thinking that it would make a good base for kingswood to fly there flag outside as there new base ....lol
stavros wrote: me too mickey mouse sponsors anyway ,let them get down pinehurst rec and sponsor a team thereWHATS WRONG WITH PINEHURST. ITS THE HEART OV SWINDON....PLUS THATS WERE IM FROM....O WELL GET YA POINT
Stfc Romain, swindon says...
8:46pm Mon 17 Mar 08
stavros wrote:THAT WAS NOT GYPSYS. IT WAS USE LITTLE SH*** PLAYING
Stfc Romain wrote:ever since the bar on the rec got trashed by gypsys ,i was thinking that it would make a good base for kingswood to fly there flag outside as there new base ....lolstavros wrote: me too mickey mouse sponsors anyway ,let them get down pinehurst rec and sponsor a team thereWHATS WRONG WITH PINEHURST. ITS THE HEART OV SWINDON....PLUS THATS WERE IM FROM....O WELL GET YA POINT
tractorboy, south bucks says...
9:19pm Mon 17 Mar 08
New sponsor ? well Betfair might be a good shout but there is I believe a certain Mr Branson in the frame ! (I've been told)
Dogbreath, Essex says...
9:40pm Mon 17 Mar 08
Stfc Romain wrote:I WENT TO PINEHURST SCHOOL AND REMEMBER ROMAINE'S AND CRESSWELL'S........ - NOTHING WRONG WITH PINEHURST, IT TAUGHT YOU TO LOOK AFTER YOURSELF AND NOT TAKE ANY ****.
stavros wrote:THAT WAS NOT GYPSYS. IT WAS USE LITTLE SH*** PLAYING
Stfc Romain wrote:ever since the bar on the rec got trashed by gypsys ,i was thinking that it would make a good base for kingswood to fly there flag outside as there new base ....lolstavros wrote: me too mickey mouse sponsors anyway ,let them get down pinehurst rec and sponsor a team thereWHATS WRONG WITH PINEHURST. ITS THE HEART OV SWINDON....PLUS THATS WERE IM FROM....O WELL GET YA POINT
Andy, Misterton, Nr Yeovil says...
9:42pm Mon 17 Mar 08
tractorboy wrote:Well that'll make atleast ONE Virgin in Swindon!!!
Well I reckon Kingswood havn't paid because they had a priate arrangement with a certain personal adviser to the former regime. New sponsor ? well Betfair might be a good shout but there is I believe a certain Mr Branson in the frame ! (I've been told)
stavros, swindon wiltshire says...
10:05pm Mon 17 Mar 08
Stfc Romain, swindon says...
10:11pm Mon 17 Mar 08
Dogbreath wrote:WELL PUT DOGBREATH.WE STILL LIVE IN PINEHURST BUT NOTHING LIKE IT USE 2 BE. DO U REMEMBER PAUL BASTIN
Stfc Romain wrote:I WENT TO PINEHURST SCHOOL AND REMEMBER ROMAINE'S AND CRESSWELL'S........ - NOTHING WRONG WITH PINEHURST, IT TAUGHT YOU TO LOOK AFTER YOURSELF AND NOT TAKE ANY ****.stavros wrote:THAT WAS NOT GYPSYS. IT WAS USE LITTLE SH*** PLAYINGStfc Romain wrote:ever since the bar on the rec got trashed by gypsys ,i was thinking that it would make a good base for kingswood to fly there flag outside as there new base ....lolstavros wrote: me too mickey mouse sponsors anyway ,let them get down pinehurst rec and sponsor a team thereWHATS WRONG WITH PINEHURST. ITS THE HEART OV SWINDON....PLUS THATS WERE IM FROM....O WELL GET YA POINT
steve, brentford says...
10:14pm Mon 17 Mar 08
Stfc Romain wrote:yes mate been looking 4 paul
steve wrote: Stfc romain is this the same whitworth rd clan that knows crezzy if so can u let me know.COME ON U REDSyes it is.ARE YOU STEVE CREZWELL FROM POPULAR AV
Stfc Romain, swindon says...
10:27pm Mon 17 Mar 08
C HIM ABOUT A MOUNTH AGO. HE IS STILL BARKIN MAD. FUNNY AS FU**.
steve, brentford says...
10:33pm Mon 17 Mar 08
Stfc Romain, swindon says...
10:36pm Mon 17 Mar 08
steve wrote:HOWS THINGS MATE.WHEN DID U LEAVE SWINDON. ARE YOU STILL A PUNK ROCKER? PS PAUL LIVES DOWN PINEHURST RD STFC 4 LIFE HANG ON A MIN YOU USE 2 SUPPORT ARSENAL IF I REMEMBER
Stfc Romain wrote:yes mate been looking 4 paulsteve wrote: Stfc romain is this the same whitworth rd clan that knows crezzy if so can u let me know.COME ON U REDSyes it is.ARE YOU STEVE CREZWELL FROM POPULAR AV
Stfc Romain, swindon says...
10:38pm Mon 17 Mar 08
steve wrote:YES NO PROBLEM. WE WILL GO IN THE MOONIES 4 A PINT
good let u know when im at next game meet up if u c him let him know ps mind them bricks
steve, brentford says...
10:44pm Mon 17 Mar 08
steve, brentford says...
10:46pm Mon 17 Mar 08
Stfc Romain, swindon says...
10:47pm Mon 17 Mar 08
steve wrote:YES IT IS. ARE U STILL A MILKMAN
not after we knocked them out the cup;by the way im 43 dont fink i could pogo anymore.had stfc tattoo when i was 16 ps is this daz
steve, brentford says...
10:51pm Mon 17 Mar 08
tractorboy, south bucks says...
11:04pm Mon 17 Mar 08
daze, says...
2:24am Tue 18 Mar 08
stavros, swindon wiltshire says...
11:27am Tue 18 Mar 08
Stfc Romain, swindon says...
5:46pm Tue 18 Mar 08
stavros wrote:sorry bud. i cant help it if a few peaple no me.
friends reunited ,or what
Stfc Romain, swindon says...
5:53pm Tue 18 Mar 08
daze wrote:sorry bill no mates
God, can't you take it to myspace or facebook or something?
steve, brentford says...
6:02pm Tue 18 Mar 08
daze wrote:daisy go 2 bed at night
God, can't you take it to myspace or facebook or something?
kandiman, Wantage says...
8:16pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Stfc Romain wrote:But you can help your grammar. The government are giving free English lessons now.
stavros wrote: friends reunited ,or whatsorry bud. i cant help it if a few peaple no me.
Christ, reading these comments gives me a headache. Is it any wonder people take the Micky out of the Swindon education system?
steve, brentford says...
10:46pm Wed 19 Mar 08
kandiman wrote:Yoo dont liff inn swInDon soo sHut upp ,
Stfc Romain wrote:But you can help your grammar. The government are giving free English lessons now. Christ, reading these comments gives me a headache. Is it any wonder people take the Micky out of the Swindon education system?stavros wrote: friends reunited ,or whatsorry bud. i cant help it if a few peaple no me.
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Peter Wilson, Wantage says...
7:39am Mon 17 Mar 08
Surprise surprise, the standard MO of the last regime about most things.
Lucky the sponsorship logo comes of the shirts when washed, at least it gives us an opportunity of sticking on our own DIY replacement logos until the end of the season :-)