Ah we're finally getting around to sort of answering the original question now. So on the pros and cons, we know that losing some potential revenue is a con. However, as you say, their chairman chooses not to, presumably because there is a pro in there somewhere. Maybe it's just because of a moral objection to advertising, maybe it's for aesthetic reasons, maybe it's something else. This is why there is no simple answer to my question. It depends on your priorities, and of course it depends on whether the club relies on the revenue generated to continue to operate. This is why it's wrong to just dismiss the question by just saying it's as simple as making money or not making money. There are non-monetary factors.
I take great pleasure in walking around in a sponsor-less shirt. I'm glad not to be a walking billboard.
Aston Villa a season or so back had Acorn on their shirts; this was a gesture to promote the local children's hospice. A grand gesture for that season.
If I remember correctly the teams that have had a charity on their shirts have also donated a fair amount to the charity which would then give more of a loss than not having a sponsor at all
Which is a good thing in my eyes. There's far too much money in sport and far too little in charities. Some people in this world just need to be reminded that there are more important things than money.
There is another point to shirt sponsorship that I'm surprised nobody has mentioned and that is replica kit sales. Some supporters of all clubs insist on having the latest shirt at £40 a pop, or £160 for a family of 4. Some fans want a full set of shirts, showing changes over the years. Others are fashionistas. Thousands of new replica shirts at a massive profit margin each year, with little cost to the club..... makes sense. Me? Tight git or retro. You decide. COYS
You are right! Now I'm travelling to Kenya next month with The Saints Foundation go work in a school and orphanage. I've given up two weeks holiday from work for this. Joe could you be so generous to consider a small donation and miss your next few pints? Click here for the link Cheers.
fatletiss, I've just donated a few pints worth - Let us know how you got on when you return, will be an amazing experience I'm sure
I think most of us in order of preference would say our shirts should have a charity, no sponsor or a sponsor which we felt comfortable with and reflected of values of the club. It's worth noting that our current sponsor was involved with the Saints foundation prior to the deal and it's quite possible that we could have earned more money, but chose this local company in preference because of that. Not something I would have expected in the days of Lowe.
I'll have to check if my student loan has come in first, but you have my word that this will be the first thing that I do.
I'm not really bothered who sponsors Saints but i would much prefer a local company on the front of the shirt rather than some foreign one. However i would never buy or wear a Saints shirt that advertised anything to do with gambling.
