Football ground renamed in ‘lucrative’ deal

Matlock Town FC has signed a sponsorship deal with Autoworld, in which the Causeway Lane ground has been renamed the Autoworld Arena.

Chairman Tom Wright said: “I think it will have a positive effect on the town. I think when we are doing well it gives great publicity to Matlock.”

He added that the deal, struck on Monday, will ensure financial stability for the club, as well as help from the Chesterfield firm.

“They want to get involved with the club to help make a difference,” Tom said.

“They have got lots of ideas to help us to increase our income, which we will be putting in practice next season.”

He said one example of how Autoworld was to help the club, was that at its sportsmans’ dinner in April the firm will provide auction prizes including a trip to the Triumph motorcycle factory.

The new name came into effect immediately and Autoworld have agreed to sponsor the club for the rest of this season and for a further two years.

Keith Brown, chief executive for the football club, said: “Personally I’m thrilled. To get a major company like that involved is tremendous.

“Running a club at this level is very difficult without any shadow of a doubt, so when you get an investment like this it’s tremendous.

“We obviously want to get promoted but to do that you’ve got to improve both your team and your facilities at the same time.”

He said the money would allow the club to improve the pitch facilities, as well as invest in the grounds and the social club, which will be renamed Autoworld Lounge.

Keith added that the lounge is used by many local sports and community groups.

He said: “It benefits a whole variety of people not just the footballer club.”