Post by leicesterlass on May 25, 2007 9:47:15 GMT -1
Allen Named New Foxes Manager
Posted on: Fri 25 May 2007
Leicester City Football Club are pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Allen as manager with immediate effect.
The news comes on the same day that Walkers announce a new ten-year deal with the Foxes, which will see the Leicester-based company invest a seven-figure sum into its hometown club and retain the stadium naming rights to the Walkers Stadium until 2017.
The club can also reveal that Topps Tiles will be Leicester's club sponsor for the 2007-08 season after the two parties signed an initial two-year agreement which could see the Foxes net a seven-figure sum.
And there is further good news, with the club confirming that Alliance & Leicester had agreed to continue their sponsorship of the Alliance & Leicester Stand for a further two years.
Former MK Dons boss Allen has signed a three-year deal with Leicester, and arrives following extensive talks with Foxes owner and chairman Milan Mandaric.
Mandaric said: "I believe Martin Allen's arrival at Leicester City is a significant appointment as the club prepare for widespread changes that will bring underachievement on the field to an end and ensure that we are a highly competitive team.
"Last season's campaign was painfully unacceptable and I made it clear from the outset that significant investment in the first-team was a priority requirement if the club want to dispense with mediocrity and build towards success that will ultimately restore this club to it's rightful place in top flight football.
"Martin's arrival is the first of many that will ultimately re-shape the destiny of the club and restore belief that has been sorely missing in recent seasons.
"During the last couple of months I have been in front of numerous people who believed they had the right attributes to take this club forward.
"My criteria was simple. I needed someone with hunger, drive, commitment and potential to aspire to all our dreams and aspirations. And I believe Martin ticked all the required boxes. His undoubted ability is matched only by his infectious enthusiasm which will inspire the club.
"He was unquestionably the outstanding candidate to come before me and deserves the immense opportunity that awaits him.
"In my short reign since taking control of the club I have shared the supporters' growing concerns and frustrations. I have made it abundantly clear that failure is a word I have no desire to be associated with.
"But as we hopefully build towards a new and prosperous era success can only be achieved if unity prevails throughout the club. I have no desire to see the magnificent support of this club subdued by our evident shortcomings on the field.
"While I would never take the enormous challenge that awaits us for granted I remain confident that the coming campaign brings with it genuine reason for optimism."
Martin Allen added: "I feel honoured and privileged to be appointed manager of Leicester City Football Club.
"Having enjoyed some good times in the Conference, League One and League Two I now feel ready to make the next step up and take on the challenge of getting this team to win matches and to see us fulfil the ambitions of our Chairman and supporters.
"Along the way we will have some fun, some laughs, and a few tears of joy and sadness. But I can see the stadium being sold out on a regular basis to fans who can enjoy supporting a team which has passion - and players who are proud to wear the shirt."
Meanwhile, Neil Campbell, Chief Executive at Walkers, said he was delighted to have secured the stadium naming rights for the next ten years, as Walkers and Leicester City have a long shared heritage. Walkers first sponsored the club's shirts in 1987 and then bought the naming rights to the stadium in 2002.
Neil Campbell said: "Leicester City has entered a new era under Mr Mandaric and we want to show our commitment to his vision for the club. As Leicester is the home of Walkers Crisps, the Walkers Stadium is a great source of pride for our employees and the local community, and we are keen to build on our relationship to further strengthen ties between Walkers and Leicester City FC."
Milan Mandaric commented: "We're delighted at Walkers' decision to commit to the club until 2017. It's an important time at the club with lots of change taking place and it's fantastic to know that we have Walkers' full backing and support. As one of the largest local employers with a strong local heritage, Walkers is a natural choice of partner to the club and one that continues to be popular with the fans."
Tim Davies, Leicester City Chief Executive added: "This deal further strengthens our relationship with Walkers. As well as being home to Leicester City, the stadium has also hosted international football and rugby matches in the past five years. The stadium name is now renowned throughout sport. We are entering a new era and we are pleased to have Walkers on board."
Topps Tiles, who have a major distribution centre in Leicester, become the club's new club sponsor and will have their logo shown on both the front and reverse of the new 2007-09 shirt.
Topps are Britain's biggest tile and wood flooring specialists with over 230 stores throughout the UK.
Nick Ounstead, Chief Executive at Topps Tiles, said: "We are delighted to come on board at this exciting time for the Club. Topps Tiles has its main offices and distribution centre in Leicester and we have strong links with the region. As part of our nationwide community relations programme we are also one of the premier supporters of grass roots youth football, sponsoring over 300 local teams nationwide. We look forward to bringing these strands together in our association with Leicester City FC."
Milan Mandaric added: "I would like to welcome Topps Tiles to Leicester City Football Club. They are another company with strong roots here in Leicester and we are very much looking forward to working with them."
The club also confirmed that Alliance & Leicester had agreed a two-year extension of their sponsorship of the Alliance & Leicester Stand at the Walkers Stadium.
Tim Davies added: "We have enjoyed a fantastic relationship with Alliance & Leicester over the last six years and I am delighted that they have agreed to continue their support in what is an exciting new era for the club."
Stuart Dawkins, Director of Corporate Communications at Alliance & Leicester said: "We are delighted to continue our relationship with Leicester City via the sponsorship of the Alliance & Leicester Stand. As a major employer in Leicestershire we are committed to supporting local teams such as Leicester City, which bring the community together."
We are a laughing stock once again
