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PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are doing all they can to avoid the dreaded PSR punishments.
And that means finding more and more unorthodox ways to generate cash.
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AFPNow it has got to the point where every team has a long list of “official partners” who pay to be sponsored and have their brand associated with them.
Most clubs seem to have a few staples these days with beer, logistics, betting, tyres, formalwear, energy and destination partners joining the more traditional kit and “principal” partners – usually the sponsors on the kit.
But there have also been some far more unusual ones over the years.
Manchester United once famously had an official tractor partner and even an official noodles partner.
Japanese tractor manufacturing powerhouse Yanmar swapped the field for the pitch while Mamee Noodles fed off the Old Trafford club’s rich history to sign an utterly bizarre contract.
West Brom, meanwhile, encouraged their aspiring young fans to infiltrate into enemy territory to study at their higher education partner, the University of Wolverhampton – located 11.3 miles away from The Hawthorns but literally over the road from rivals Wolves’ home ground Molineux.
So, what are some of the weirdest and wackiest deals struck between Premier League clubs and corporate companies this season?
ARSENAL
Arsenal pride themselves on looking fresh – and their kits are always in mint condition.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
Now we know why.
It’s because they have a deal with laundry giants Persil as the club’s official fabric care partner – I bet the kit man is delighted.
Persil
https://www.instagram.com/arsenal/ASTON VILLA
Beers, ciders and wines are not uncommon partners – even a few clubs have a whiskey partner.
But Aston Villa have upped the ante by signing Ukrainian company Nemiroff as their official vodka partner.
Not entirely sure why a club would need one – but it turns out Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran are not the only ones taking shots at Villa Park this season.
GettyBOURNEMOUTH
Bournemouth are not exactly known for their silverware.
The Cherries’ entire trophy cabinet features one Championship, one League One, a League Two play-off, an EFL Trophy and the Third Division South Cup in 1945-46.
Still, that has not stopped them doing a deal with local business Michael Matthews to be their official jeweller partner – with the company specialising in pre-owned luxury watches and fine jewellery.
They even provide the club’s Player of the Month trophies, too.
GettyBRENTFORD
Whenever you move home, it is the perfect chance to freshen up your interior design.
So that would explain why the Bees signed a deal with Brunner UK as their official contract furniture partner when they switched Griffin Park for the Gtech Community Stadium.
GettyFULHAM
Here’s one you would never have guessed.
Fulham have their very own official managed print partner in the form of UTL.
In fairness, football clubs do have to do a lot of printing – especially neighbours Chelsea with their squad list.
Fulham’s website says: “UTL have provided multi-functional scan/copy/print devices and a secure print release solution to the stadium, training ground and foundation. This has been done utilising Epson’s heat-free technology.”
Riveting stuff!
GettyMAN CITY
Ever wondered why Pep Guardiola’s players have so much energy?
Nope, definitely not anything to do with working hard in the gym or tiring opponents out by keeping the ball for so long.
The only explanation is because City have landed Kellogg’s as their official breakfast cereals partner.
That surely means unlimited Bran Flakes, Coco Pops, Frosties, Corn Flakes and Krave whenever the stars want – plus occasional Pop Tarts as a win bonus.
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MAN UTD
Forget trophies, big-name signings and beating your local rivals.
The real bragging rights every fan wants from their beloved team is to have an official Wi-Fi network solutions provider and official Wi-Fi analytics provider.
Because that is what Extreme Networks are for Manchester United.
Rolls off the tongue…
And it makes their blockchain, skincare, video game, coffee, mattress and pillow, percussion therapy and electronic styling partnerships looks quite – err – normal.
GettyNEWCASTLE
Forget Harrods and Selfridges.
Up in the North-East there is only one candidate for the No1 department store and that is Fenwick.
No wonder Newcastle made them their official luxury retail store partner.
AlamySOUTHAMPTON
Southampton need to drill down on the training ground and hammer home their tactics.
They have even thrown a spanner in the works by appointing Draper as their official tool partner.
If they can keep chiselling away, screw over the big teams and keep their spirit levels up to avoid relegation, the Saints can reward themselves with an end-of-season trip away with their official holiday partner, P&O Cruises.
Draper could provide the right tools for Southampton
PAWEST HAM
This might be the best of the lot.
West Ham have an… wait for it… official vehicle collision recovery and storage management partner in the shape of NWVA.
They operate across the UK and Europe but at the rate things are going, the biggest crash they’ll need to sort out is the mess under Julen Lopetegui at the London Stadium.
PAWOLVES
Saving the most fun until last is Wolves.
The idea of an official family partner is very sweet.
But then you realise the partner is none other than the epic theme park and zoo Drayton Manor Resort and that just makes it so much better.
They’ll be able to provide plenty of practice for a rollercoaster season.
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