Lincoln City Football Club and Andreas Carter Sports have agreed to mutually terminate their retail partnership.
As part of the changes at Sincil Bank, Andreas Carter Sports will be superseded by Elite Pro Sports who will take over as retail providers from the 1st February 2019. The move is part of a merchandise overhaul at Lincoln City Football Club, and it will see the continuation of the agreement with Errea who have two years left on their existing agreement.
Discussions between the various parties have taken place over the past 6 months and as part of the full review of kit and retail; the agreement with the Italian sports manufacturer has also been extended for a further two years taking the new tri-party partnership between Lincoln City, Errea and Elite Pro Sports up until the end of the 2023 season.
On Andreas Carter Sports; Imps’ Chief Executive Liam Scully said: “We are very grateful to Jerry Carter, Stavroulla Andreas-Carter and their team for their support and commitment to LCFC for the past five years. We part company as good friends and in good spirits. Great credit should be given to Jerry and Stav for their hard work and dedication; in particular during some of the leaner times.”
Jerry Carter, Director of Andreas Carter Sports said it’s the right time to step away. “We took over the club shop five years ago initially and we’ve progressed significantly; but with the way the club is adapting, and developing, things need taking to the next level! So here we are – It has been hard work, but we’ve enjoyed our tenure and have agreed to cancel the contract early for the good of the club.” He said.
“I consider myself a fan now, we’ve enjoyed it and it’s been immensely satisfying particularly over the past two seasons to have been part of the growth of the club. I’m happy to leave the club shop with our excellent staff and the future retail merchandising in expert hands knowing that the club can move forward positively.”
Elite Pro Sports who have over 30 years’ experience in sports retail have two-time Rugby Premiership finalists and 18-19 Heineken Champions Cup competitors Gloucester Rugby Club amongst their major clients. Elite Pro Sports will also use their e-commerce expertise to ensure fans are able to shop 24-7 from a wide range of products from replica kits to a new range of merchandise which appeals to City fans of all ages.
Lee Jenkinson, CEO of Elite Pro Sports is excited by the partnership and it’s one which he was keen to get started as soon as possible.
“Right from our initial meetings with Lincoln City, we could feel that we share a very similar ethos in regard to delivering a retail programme that gives the supporters what they want, and something which also takes the club to the next level.” He said.
“Collectively, at Elite Pro Sports we have over 30 years’ experience in sports retail, with a proven track record of ensuring that supporter’s retail expectations are constantly exceeded.
“We have worked closely with football club over the last few months to ensure that the merchandise for the 2019/20 season will be as wide-ranging a selection of merchandise as possible, both in store and online, of which I’m sure that Imps’ supporters will be delighted with. Also, we are a company receptive to fan feedback, and we want to give the fans more of what they want to see in the Imps’ club shop.
“To partner with Lincoln City at such an exciting stage in the club’s development is very exciting for everyone at Elite Pro Sports and we look forward to being part of the next steps in the journey”
Imps' supporters can keep up with the latest on the new merchandise, offers and more by signing up to the Elite Pro Sport Newsletter, check the box marked 'Lincoln City' and the news will hit your email inbox as soon as it's released. To sign up to the news letter - CLICK HERE