http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/story-18315005-detail/story.html?#axzz2Macg78vR "What may not be known in Hull is the significance of that back home. To many, the Hull City team and its stars are uniting all Egyptian people despite the significant political differences. In every match that City play now, people in Egypt are desperate to see more goals from Gedo and Elmo and they hope Fathy will soon have a bigger role to play. And as long as they are being passionate about their Tigers, they can forget all their problems for 90 minutes."
What's more relevant about this is the potential additional revenue that could be harnessed from the Arab world through sponsorship, tours and merchandising if we go up and continue to have an Egyptian presence that no other English team has, if approached in the right way this could really up our global income and reputation
Anyone know if the Club has got on to the opportunity to sell Elmo/Fathi/Gedo shirts in Cairo.....yet?
If HCAFC aren't taking maximum commercial advantage of a huge opportunity like this someone needs shooting. The revenue, sponsorship and investment possibilities from this could lift the club onto another level.
Spot on. I hope Thompson and the marketing people are smart enough to realize the potential here. The Arab peoples for all their political and sectarian differences are united in their massive interest in English league football, and are very well informed (just watch the call in shows). The fact that not only are we the only English club to have three top Egyptian players in our squad but also an Arabic speaking Egyptian born owner makes us the prime candidate to become a "cult" club for Egyptian and other Arab fans as is already evident on our Facebook page. Promotion to the Prem, and our growing relationship with Al-Ahly, the African Man U, could see a flood of sponsorship deals throughout Mid-East/North Africa (MENA), as well as mutually beneficial signings and exhibition matches. Lets just hope Mr.Allam will bring the right people in to recognize and take advantage of the opportunity.
Great news and would think that moves behind the scene are in place to maximise this opportunity. But they have to become our players first not just loans. That will happen in the summer imo. Just wait until we are back in the PL when they can watch us far more easily via sky etc.
We are playing Al Ahly in a preseason game at the KC. Hopefully that will be televised in Egypt live.
Hope there is a big crowd for that one...and that Gedo, Elmo, and Fathi are all signed and playing for us. I'm sure Egyptian TV will be televising it back home!!
