Club says loss of key sponsor is 'not a concern'

STRATFORD Town chairperson Melanie Tweddle has told supporters not to panic after it emerged that key sponsor DCS Group has withdrawn its support of the club.

The household brands manufacturer and distributor is relocating the majority of its business to Banbury and they will also end their sponsorship of Town’s ground, currently known as the DCS Stadium.

The loss of such a key financial backer will no doubt concern some supporters, but Tweddle says there is ‘no need to worry’ on the eve of the new Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division season, which kicks off this weekend.

Town are now searching for a new ground sponsor, in time for when the current deal with DCS ends in January.

“It won’t affect the club one little bit,” Tweddle insisted.

“It’s certainly not something we are panicking about and it’s not a major concern.

“It’s only one sponsor and it’s one for one thing — the sponsorship of the ground. The supporters don’t need to worry.

“There is now a great opportunity for other local companies to become more involved with the club. We’ll be speaking to our existing sponsors first and then go from there.”

Denys Shortt, CEO of DCS Group, has also resigned as a director of the club.

Shortt said the company's relocation was the main reason for his decision and he felt the time was right to move on.

He said: “I have resigned as a club director and the main reason is the relocation of DCS to Banbury.

“However, my opinion was adversely affected by a Herald article where a small group of supporters were complaining about so many things, rather than focus on the good things happening at STFC.

“I then discovered a supporters’ online forum, which contained rude content about directors, managers and myself.

“I’ve given five years of my time and more than £50,000 sponsorship to the club and I feel it’s now time for us to move on.

“DCS will not be sponsoring going forward as our local financial support will move with the business to Banbury.”

Shortt also praised Tweddle and the club’s manager, Carl Adams, for their work at Knights Lane.

“The people at the club run it in their free time and the chair, directors and Carl Adams do an amazing job. They all deserve a medal.

“I wish them every success in the future. I would encourage the supporters to focus on helping the club and management team. Future sponsors will not be attracted to in-fighting.”

DCS will continue to sponsor the Town website and provide free graphic design work for the club in 2017.