Dr Martens end league sponsorship

THE SOUTHERN League may start the season without a sponsor after its deal with the Dr Martens footwear company ended.

Secretary Dennis Strudwick said: "The sponsorship has matured.  It was probably due to the company's financial situation, but they have sponsored the league very well for eight years and we are grateful.

"They have put in nearly £900,000 and the majority of that has gone to the clubs."

The league are currently seeking a sponsor and Strudwick added:  "The uncertainty of the restructuring hasn't helped us, but we will be trying to find a new deal as good as the last one.

"We've only had two sponsors so far in Beazer Homes and Dr Martens and they have both been blue chip companies."

New Hellenic League sponsor Victor Gladwish, who has put in close to £1 million into Non-League football in the past year, attempted to secure a deal with the league when news of the firm's financial problems broke.

The Northamptonshire-based firm have also pulled out of involvement with League Two Rushden & Diamonds - the club founded and funded by former chairman Max Griggs.

Gladwish said: "I have got no sympathy for them.  If serves them right because I offered them a very good deal."

Article taken from Sunday's Non-League Paper - on Sale for only £1.20