New Balance for Celtic
New Balance take over from Nike this summer as Celtic’s official kit partner and main sponsor. The US sportswear firm have along heritage in technical products, like running shoes, with less of a legacy in the leisurewear market than the likes of Nike, but this move, as well as a recent deal to partner Liverpool, indicates a strong commitment to become a major player in the football marketplace.
Both the Celtic and Liverpool contracts have been advertised as potentially record deals for the respective clubs, although each club declined to put a figure on the value, or the contract period in their official statements. It’s likely that a significant part of the contract fee will depend on Champions League qualification.
Unconfirmed reports put the size of the deal at £29m, cash that other clubs have securitised off to a retailer.
Last call today for CQN11 St Patrick’s Dinner, which takes place next Friday, 13 March, at the Kerrydale Suite. After the dinner we have a Q&A with Packy Bonnar, Tommy Coyne, Joe Miller and Tom Boyd. We have Archie Macpherson speaking about Jock Stein on the 50th anniversary of him becoming manager, and song from Patricia Ferns.
The object of the night is to raise money to build another school kitchen for Mary’s Meals in Malawi. Kris Commons’ partner, Lisa Hague, will also join us. She will be auctioning an incredible prize of a signed Ronny Deila jersey, signed Kris Commons boots and match hospitality in the Players’ Lounge for the Marie Curie Hospice in Glasgow.
Tickets will be posted out over the next few days, email me if you’re still looking, celticquicknews@gmail.com we’re closing the book tomorrow.