Cup glory brings in flood of sponsors
Business is booming for Stourbridge FC with a sharp increase in sponsorship deals thanks to the team's exploits in the FA Cup.
Business is booming for Stourbridge FC with a sharp increase in sponsorship deals thanks to the team's exploits in the FA Cup.
The Glassboys commercial chiefs say thousands of pounds of extra revenue has flooded into the club since the first round tie against Walsall was drawn out of the hat last weekend.
Long term plans are now being proposed by club officials to help safeguard its future over the next two years.
Before the draw around 40 businesses sponsored the team and a further 15 have pledged their support over the past week alone.
And talks are ongoing with other businesses.
Even firms who have traditionally sponsored Black Country big boys West Bromwich Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in backing the side.
The increase in sponsors from across the Black Country has fuelled plans for cash to pump back into the club for new facilities and equipment for the players.
Family
But bosses are remaining tight-lipped over who the new sponsors are or how much the deals are worth, saying the information would not be announced until a later date.
Commercial manager Jonathan Martin, aged 41, who is also owner of team sponsors MM Sports Consultants, said it is a race against time to strike a deal with various companies before next Saturday's huge FA Cup tie.
Mr Martin said: "Ever since the draw was first made at 1.20pm last Sunday the phone has been ringing constantly and its great to be in the thick of it.
"Many companies from across Stourbridge, both existing sponsors and new companies, have been in touch.
"But because the game is proving a big draw for the Midlands as a whole, companies from across the Black Country have contacted us.
"We have always tried to be a family club and I think that appeals to companies," he added.
"Some have come to us and said even though they have supported the Wolves or the Baggies for years, they have got on board with us instead."
Club officials did not want to speculate as to how much cash had been raised through sponsorship until after the cup tie.
But the club has already coined in more than £27,500 through prize money and match fees in the cup run.
Coverage
The Glassboys could gain another £12,500 for winning the first round clash and thousands more in gate receipts and payment for TV coverage.
Stourbridge beat Buxton 4-0 last Saturday to reach the first round proper for the first time in their 133-year history.
