Demon Internet has announced it will not be negotiating to renew its shirt
sponsorship of Fulham Football Club when its current 3 year deal ends in May
2001.
Thus, which owns Demon Internet, claims the decision was due to a "refocus
in strategy"
The telecoms company says it wants to place more emphasis on the corporate
and small business markets.
The £1.5m package included ground and programme advertising and sponsorship
of Fulham ladies football team and the youth academy.
Sarah Brookes, PR manager for Fulham Football Club says it is sad that the
partnership, which began in May 1998 will be ending.
The first division club is now in initial negotiations with four or five
companies to strike a deal for the football season which starts in August
2001.
Brookes said " We are looking for a 3 to 5 year deal. Nothing has been
signed or sealed. We are not ruling out spoonsorship from any sector. This
is an exciting time for the club as we expect to be a Premiership side next
season"
Deborah Rodger, Thus PR manager says: "Our sponsorship of Fulham FC has been
a true partnership, but as with many companies operating in the internet
environmnet, our business strategy has shifted in that time"
Demon Internet was sold to Thus - then Scottish Telecom - In May 1998 just
months after the deal was sealed.
Source marketing week