28 January 2011
Coventry City manager Aidy Boothroyd has thanked a local firm for supporting him – and his 15 predecessors!
D-Drill, which is based in Shilton, near Coventry, and has offices across the UK, has been sponsoring the manager of the Sky Blues since Bobby Gould’s reign started in 1983.
The company, which has expertise in diamond drilling, sawing and surface preparation, has featured in the club’s programme on the kit sponsors page since then and has an advertising hoarding at the ground.
The idea was thought up by D-Drill’s previous owner, Peter White, and has been continued by his daughter, Julie White, who took over the business in 2008.
Boothroyd said: “For a club to be successful, it needs to have the support of local people and local businesses and I have been absolutely delighted with the response I have had since I joined Coventry City back in May.
“D-Drill epitomise that and have been big supporters of Coventry City for more than 25 years now.
“It has no doubt helped the firm to promote their business, which is what sponsorship deals such as this are all about.
“But the impression that Julie and her father, Peter, gave me was that this is as much about supporting the football club because they want us to do well. As a club, we can’t ask any more.”
Julie White said the Coventry City sponsorship was often an ice-breaker with other local businesses.
She said: “For a lot of people, as soon as they hear the name D-Drill they mention the sponsorship of Coventry City’s manager. It strikes a chord with people.
“I remember when Dad first started sponsoring Bobby Gould and we’ve continued as a business ever since. We even sponsored the family stand at Highfield Road during the final season there.
“There have been some colourful characters down the years and some have been more successful than others, that’s for sure.
“But Aidy has made a really positive start at the club and has got the whole city talking about Coventry City FC for the right reasons.
“And it was great that he took the time out to come and meet me and Dad to say thank you for the support we give to the club.”
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