A 130-year-old football stadium has been renamed the Martin & Co Arena.
The Northolme stadium is used by Gainsborough Trinity – known as the Holy Blues and who play in the Vanarama Conference North
It was announced on the club’s website that the stadium was being renamed after Martin & Co Gainsborough, run by Dave and Angela Longstaff who are both keen Blues supporters.
The news has had a mixed reception, with some fans being proud of the history and tradition behind the club and its home.
Trinity chairman Nick Tinker said: “It’s a big decision, but it’s a commercial decision.
“You’re always going to get that (reaction), but you can’t please everyone.
“The club is standing on its own two feet, it’s financially viable and that’s very rare for a football club.”
The newly named ground hosted a 2-1 victory over Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday.
Comments (2)
This is a sad local story we heard about in Lincoln and 'mixed reception' is being polite ! The franchisee of Martin & Co who have sponsored the team used to be the notorious Gainsborough Estates before they finally went 'pop' and took out a Martin & Co franchise. I wouldn't call the football ground a stadium as it only has capacity for 500 seated and the remaining 3,800 standing. There is huge local support for Gainsborough Trinity Football Club and the football ground and it is well respected so when the owners decided to associate their reputation with these colourful characters…….it was a surprise 🙁
Well, no-one else has said it, so I'll put in words what all your sarcastic minds are thinking: "Crikey, Martin & Co are setting their expectations a little high…."