Celtic PLC - Re Sponsorship Deal

RNS No 3727b
CELTIC PLC
14th July 1997

CELTIC SELECTS UMBRO AS NEW CLUB SPONSOR

Celtic today unveiled their largest ever shirt sponsorship
deal, by naming Umbro as their new sponsors for the
forthcoming season.

Celtic and Umbro have enjoyed a tremendous relationship for a
number of years through a kit supply deal, and this new three
year sponsorship builds on the strong bond between the two.

Umbro is already the kit supplier for a number of top class
domestic and international sides, including Manchester United,
Chelsea, Ajax, Scotland and England, but the sponsorship of
Celtic is the first time that Umbro have become both kit and
Club sponsors of any individual side.

The announcement ends months of speculation regarding the
sponsorship, with Umbro securing the lucrative deal in spite
of stiff competition from a number of other interested
parties.

Fergus McCann, Celtic Managing Director comments, We have had
considerable interest from a number of national and
international companies and we are delighted to choose UMBRO
to reinforce and enhance our relationship with a company which
is arguably the most famous international sports company
specialising in football.

The international stature of both Umbro and Celtic was
unquestionably a factor for both parties in securing the new
sponsorship deal.   Celtic has always been one of the most
sought after properties in football, and this new three year
deal will see great benefits for both club and sponsor in
Scotland and Europe alike.

McCann continued: The deal is the biggest in the history of
Celtic Football Club.  All of the money will be allocated to
helping enhance the first team squad.   The deal is for 3
years and David Kells (Commercial Director) and our commercial
team have to be congratulated for successfully attracting a
major new international sponsorship deal for the Club.

Allan Hadfield, Umbro Managing Director added, Its fantastic
to build on our excellent relationship with Celtic, and secure
a greater involvement with such a major international football
property.    We are looking forward to further enhancing our
relationship with the Club over the next three years, and
beyond.

END