Accrington Stanley seek new sponsor (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Accrington Stanley seek new sponsor

3:00pm Monday 6th February 2012 in News By Emma Cruces, Reporter

Accrington Stanley are looking to replace their sponsor after communication ground to a halt.

The planned sponsorship deal with ‘international drinks company’ Colane Tropical Mineral Water UK Ltd had expected to last 18 months and was to see the Crown Ground renamed.

Chief Executive Rob Heys confirmed the club was now looking at other opportunities after no money was received from the company and Accrington Stanley’s calls to the firm were unreturned.

The future of the partnership began to look uncertain when Hyndburn firm Colane were turned out of their Oswaldtwistle Mills offices for not paying rent.

Staff who worked for the company also told the Lancashire Telegraph they had not been paid in months.

Mr Heys said the club was in ‘encouraging’ talks with other firms and had ‘drawn a line’ under the deal with Colane after being unable to reach them.

He said: “It hasn’t cost us any money and while it would have been great had it worked out, there are other opportunities to look into. We are at a very early stage looking into other sponsors but it is encouraging. We are getting some very positive feedback.”

An amount for the ‘sizeable’ 18 month deal was never formally announced, however the Crown Ground was set to be renamed after the signing of the deal .

The ground has previously been known as the Fraser Eagle Stadium and the Interlink Express Stadium, following previous commercial link-ups.

Colane UK was unavailable for comment.