Last year, in mid-May, and after what was another season of mediocrity on the pitch, Leeds United announced new sponsorship of Elland Road’s East Stand by local business Clipper Logistics.
Certain observers had said that Clipper Logistics boss Steve Parkin, an ex-miner and life-long Leeds United fan, was a man seen as being destined to buy into the club and become an investor alongside/instead of Massimo Cellino.
However, Parkin said at the time that: “Whenever Leeds United’s ownership comes into question Steve Parkin’s name is mentioned. I’m a massive fan of Leeds United. But I think as a city we need Leeds United as a Premiership football club.”
Clipper Logistics new East Stand branding
#lufc are delighted to announce Clipper Logistics as the new East Stand sponsor. Full story: https://t.co/dTy4XMQRR3 pic.twitter.com/92PhKIyeVu
— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 14, 2016
Notice anything different whilst driving down the motorway? Welcome to new East Stand sponsor, Clipper Logistics! pic.twitter.com/ONdSOrdftc
— Elland Road (@EllandRoad) May 10, 2016
Alongside investment in the East Stand rebranding, Parkin also expanded his interest in Leeds United by becoming the secondary shirt sponsor. Yesterday Leeds United, Clipper Logistics and Parkin announced a consolidation of interest in Leeds United with news that the partnership was to be extended for a further season.
🤝 We're delighted to confirm that Clipper Logistics will continue as an Official Club Partner for a further season https://t.co/ZEg3hxNh40 pic.twitter.com/Uf9Rp01CV8
— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 10, 2017
Upon announcing this extended agreement, Parkin told Leeds United’s official website: “We’re incredibly proud to have the Clipper name associated with Leeds United, a club I’ve supported all my life…Every time I see our branding on the east stand, or on players’ kit on match days, it’s an incredible feeling of pride. Extending our sponsorship of the club was an easy decision, and I look forward to a long, successful partnership.”
For their part the club, through Executive Director Paul Bell, said: “Clipper are a wonderful local company who represent Leeds across the globe with their services, they are one of this region’s major success stories. The Club has a clear aim to develop long term relationships with its key commercial partners and sponsors, and we are therefore proud to extend our partnership with Clipper for another year. “
