Rangers this afternoon announced a one year deal with Blackthorn Cider as the Ibrox side’s new shirt sponsor for season 2013-14, replacing Tennents who are the current sponsors.
Rangers chief executive Charles Green, commenting on the deal, said: “We are very pleased to have reached a sponsorship agreement that will see the Blackthorn Cider name on Rangers’ strips next season.
“The arrangement is yet another example of leading brands wishing to be associated with Rangers and reflects the fact that the Club is one of football’s great institutions. The deal we have reached is very much in keeping with our business plan and strategy of developing significant commercial partnerships for the benefit of the Club.”
Blackthorn have a number of sports sponsorship deals in the England, with Bristol Rovers, Bristol City and Shepton Football Club’s on their books. They also sponsor the British Skittles Championship, a deal which has been running for the past six years.
The deal with Rangers will be the company’s first with a Scottish football club, with the Blackthorn corporate team looking to develop the partnership which will ‘benefit the brand, the Club and its fans’. There was no disclosure of how lucrative the deal was for the Ibrox side though.
Paolo Mortarotti, Blackthorn Cider’s representative, added: “The Rangers fans’ reaction to the Club’s recent troubles has been remarkable and we are immensely proud to partner with the Club.
“Blackthorn is a popular cider across the UK, with traditional strongholds in both the South West of England and in Scotland, and we believe this partnership with Rangers will help deliver our ambitious growth plans for the brand.
“We wish Rangers every success this season and look forward to supporting the Club as it continues its journey back to the top flight of Scottish football.”
