Whites seeking new shirt sponsor deal

The Whites are hoping to get a sponsor onboard as soon as possible, after the local business decided not to renew their two year deal.

Speaking on the issue, Club Director Colin Hopkins commented: “Clearly it was disappointing that Smiley Monroe opted not to renew their recent sponsorship deal, however, we do need to place on record our sincere gratitude for their support of the club with over the last few seasons, in what was a financially tough time.”

He added: “There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to try to find a new main sponsor for the club. Clearly having a main club sponsor is important on a number of levels, not only for the financial input that it generates but also from a viewpoint of displaying a professional image for the club.

“It is our belief that Lisburn needs to have a football team playing at the highest level of local football and there is no doubt that having a main club sponsor on board would make that task a lot more achievable.”

Colin continued: “Obviously it is good to have a sponsor for the club, but equally the sponsor gets all of the publicity that is involved with it. The Smiley Monroe deal also included youth kits, so it is not just the publicity that comes with the first team.

“You are very much supporting the community when you are supporting the club,” said Colin.

Elsewhere, a new groundshare scheme with Sirocco Works FC has been announced.

“With the club being relegated last season there had to be cost cutting,” Colin explained. “We had to cut the reserve team, unfortunately. That then freed up the ground on certain Saturday’s and Sirocco approached us to use the ground. There is a financial benefit, but it is very minimal.”