Bobby Moore Fund

Post by **Wanderlust** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 11:59 am

I'm sure many of you are aware of this charity, website http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/bobbymoorefund/ for those of you who aren't, and one bright spark amongst the West ham United fans has come up with a fantastic idea; as the sponsors of the club, XL Holidays have gone bankrupt, to replace them for this season with the Bobby Moore Fund on the shirts of both the team and those for sale to the fans, with a percentage of the sales going to the fund. Both the charity and the club have been contacted regarding this, and an online petition has been created at http://www.petitiononline.com/RFCMOORE/petition.html. Obviously this is aimed at any Hammers fans on here, but fans of other teams may want to sign it too, as it would be a great tribute to the great man, as well as helping in the fight against cancer. For the West ham fans, some clever bod has done a mock up of what the shirts might look like, and I have to say that I would buy one if they did it (see below).

Whether the club will do this is anyone's guess, but both Barcelona (Unicef) and Aston Villa (Acorn) currently support charities on their shirts, so I guess they might. Here's hoping, as the money-go-round that is football now could do with more things like this happening.

Post by **buksida** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 1:04 pm

Signed.

I'd buy one, in fact I have been looking for a current shirt, all of the shops in HH only do the top four clubs (we'll be there soon) and bugger all by Umbro.

Post by **Big Boy** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 1:40 pm

Although a nice thought, I think its far too early in the season for the club to take such a large financial hit. I'm sure they're already looking for a new sponsor.

If it happens - full marks to them, but I don't think so.

Post by **Wanderlust** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 2:13 pm

BB,
The deal with XL was 'only' worth £7.5 million over 3 years, not sure how much of it had already been paid but would assume 2.5 million. Considering the Icelandic owner is worth billions, and in context with player sales, wages and purchases the money isn't that much. I'm sure they are looking for a new sponsor, but most companies plan well ahead with their budgets on marketing, so it is more likely that a new sponsor would start from next season, thus leaving the rest of this season free to do this. It would be a PR masterstroke as well as probably generating extra revenue from shirt sales that they wouldn't have otherwise got.

Post by **Big Boy** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 2:25 pm

If they do it, I would be interested to know how much of Buksi's hard earned Baht finds its way cancer research. I wouldn't mind betting that it would ne just a nominal sum.

A millionaire does not become a millionaire by letting marketing opportunities pass him by.

If he does it, you can be sure it will be for a short while to bridge the gap whilst looking for a new sponsor - think of all those kids who will want the new shirt. Those same kids will want the newer shirt a few months later - good business.

This could be West Ham's best victory this season.

Super Joe · Post by **Super Joe** » Fri Sep 19, 2008 11:20 pm

Done. 8,950 signatures so far so good to see other clubs chipping in after all of West Ham's fans signed it

It's a great gesture but I reckon too much for businessmen to swallow.

SJ