New provider selected for Lincoln City retail contract

A new retail provider has been named as part of a merchandise overhaul at Lincoln City Football Club.

The club announced on Wednesday, January 23 that the current supplier, Colchester-based Andreas Carter Sports, agreed to mutually terminate their partnership.

They will be superseded by Elite Pro Sports, headquartered in Doncaster, who will take over as retail providers from February 1, 2019

New agreements at Sincil Bank will also see the continuation of the agreement with Errea, who have two years left on their existing agreement.

Discussions between the various parties have taken place over the past six months and as part of the full review of kit and retail; the agreement with the Italian sports manufacturer has also been extended for a further two years taking the new tri-party partnership between Lincoln City, Errea and Elite Pro Sports up until the end of the 2023 season.

Imps’ Chief Executive Liam Scully said: “We are very grateful to Jerry Carter, Stavroulla Andreas-Carter and their team for their support and commitment to LCFC for the past five years. We part company as good friends and in good spirits. Great credit should be given to Jerry and Stav for their hard work and dedication; in particular during some of the leaner times”

Jerry Carter, Director of Andreas Carter Sports said it’s the right time to step away. “We took over the club shop five years ago initially and we’ve progressed significantly; but with the way the club is adapting, and developing, things need taking to the next level! So here we are – It has been hard work, but we’ve enjoyed our tenure and have agreed to cancel the contract early for the good of the club.” He said.

Elite Pro Sports who have over 30 years’ experience in sports retail have two-time Rugby Premiership finalists and 18-19 Heineken Champions Cup competitors Gloucester Rugby Club amongst their major clients.

Elite Pro Sports will also use their e-commerce expertise to ensure fans are able to shop 24-7 from a wide range of products from replica kits to a new range of merchandise which appeals to City fans of all ages.

Supporters can also sign up to an email newsletter to see news on new merchandise and more available from the club when it’s released.

Lee Jenkinson, CEO of Elite Pro Sports said: “Right from our initial meetings with Lincoln City, we could feel that we share a very similar ethos in regard to delivering a retail programme that gives the supporters what they want, and something which also takes the club to the next level.

“We have worked closely with football club over the last few months to ensure that the merchandise for the 2019/20 season will be as wide-ranging a selection of merchandise as possible, both in store and online, of which I’m sure that Imps’ supporters will be delighted with.”