Cheltenham Town are all smiles after new sponsorship deal

CHELTENHAM TOWN have agreed a new sponsorship deal that will see their Whaddon Road home renamed the World of Smile Stadium for the next three years.

Based in the town, World of Smile are leading providers of conservatories, garden buildings, sheds, cane and rattan furniture.

Jon Burke, the company’s managing director, is the great nephew of Robins great Peter Goring who went on to win the League title and FA Cup with Arsenal.

Now Burke has continued his family’s connection with Cheltenham which will see Whaddon Road renamed in what is described as a “massive deal”.

“This is a massive deal for us and I think my uncle will be looking down with a smile,” he said.

“Peter played a big part in my life when I was younger, keeping me on the straight and narrow so it’s very nostalgic for me to come back to Whaddon Road and meet the new manager Gary Johnson and some of the players.

“Cheltenham Town need support from the community and local businesses, who can help them get back to where they should be, which is higher up.”

Robins chairman Paul Baker added: “I am absolutely delighted with this deal and I have to say a big thanks to John Finnigan (commercial executive) and Mark Cuzner (commercial consultant), who initiated the contract..

“It was very easily negotiated and to have a three-year increasing deal is tremendous and gives us real security. It is a completely new name to be associated with the club and it’s a great deal for both parties.

“The history with Peter Goring and Jon’s family adds context to the story and I know he is chuffed to bits. We are also enthused by his willingness to help introduce other potential sponsors to us in the coming months.”