By The Longside
April 14 2004

The press were officially told in a press conference today that Yorkshire based firm, Hunters Estate Agents had become the clarets shirt sponsor for the next two seasons.

Burnley chief executive Dave Edmundson officially unveiled Hunters Estate Agents as the Clarets new sponsors. This afternoon's press conference, attended by both Clarets.net and The Longside providing you with this article, gave us our first glimpse of the new sponsors.

Dave, left, pictured with Keith and Kevin Hollinrake from Hunters

Brothers Keith and Kevin Hollinrake, directors of the estate agents, were representing our new sponsors, who Edmundson seems very happy to work with.

Edmundson told the gathered press that this deal is a record for the Clarets in terms of revenue and the best in Burnley's history. There is also much potential, with both companies wanting to develop and go places.

"There have been financial difficulties, but Burnley Football Club is coming through this," Dave said. He also spoke of the air of optimism within the club, and by attracting such a company we are showing how the club, behind the scenes at least, is becoming the Premier club it should be.

"We now have money coming from Yorkshire, of all places", Dave joked. "It's the White rose helping the Red rose bloom again!"

Edmundson is also hopeful of a long and fruitful relationship between the two companies. "I'm very confident that, despite being only a two year deal, we will be able to continue after this period."

Dave told clarets.net after the press conference that he is also optimistic for the season, and believes that even if relegation came, it shouldn't affect the finances much. He was quick to dismiss talk of relegation though, further proving what a positive man he is and the positive things in the future he will bring to the club.

When asked how the Yorkshire based Hunters came about sponsoring the Clarets, Edmundson explained how he saw that both the club and Hunters had similar ideas and beliefs at a conference in the Midlands, resulting in Dave coming straight out to ask Keith Hollinrake would Hunters like to be the new shirt sponsor of Burnley Football Club and that's led to today's press conference.

The Hollinrakes' father and grandfather supported the club although the brothers don't. (Yet!). They also spoke of how happy they were to sponsor the club, and very proud, hoping that a strong relationship can build. Both companies see a community spirit to be important, and Dave believes that by chosing Burnley, Hunters Estate Agents can build up their own profile.

 

Other Photo's

Dave Edmundson with Keith and Kevin Hollinrake

Kevin Hollinrake (right) puts his name to the new contract underneath his brothers name