Dewsbury Rams issue statement regarding main sponsors Eric France

The full statement reads “As most supporters are aware the club’s Main Sponsor, Eric France, is no longer trading and is in Liquidation and our sympathies go with those employees who have now lost their jobs through this action.

Consequently, the Sponsorship deal signed in late 2012 has ceased with immediate effect resulting in a significant shortfall in the budgeted income for Seasons 2013 and 2014.

“The Directors and Shareholders of the club have been working with Eric France as well as potential new sponsors of the club for some weeks to try to alleviate the situation and secure the medium term future of the club.

“Unfortunately this has come hard on the heels of the failure of the club’s lottery arrangement with the Bradford Bulls which became unsustainable due to a significant drop in membership particularly from our area. The club has already launched a new lottery to revitalise this part of the business but until this lottery is up to full strength there will be a negative financial impact on the club.

“The Directors and Shareholders are determined that the day to day running of the club will not be affected and have implemented the necessary measures to ensure that this is the case. It is also the view of the Board that the club needs to look to the longer term future and not just short term on the playing side. A number of players have already attracted the interest of potential suitors and the club has reacted to this by starting a programme of tying key young players to the club beyond 2013. Details of these negotiations will be released in due course as will an announcement, as soon as is practically possible, in respect of the possible new Sponsorship arrangements.

“In the meantime the club will be carrying out a review of exactly what income levels will be required to enable the club to become a major force in the Championship. All potential revenue areas will be considered in order to maximise revenue to the club. It is vital that supporters and anyone with an interest in Dewsbury Rams play their part by joining either the club’s lottery or DREMA scheme, buying match day programmes and official merchandise, patronising any of the club’s three licensed bars and by pushing the name of the Rams to potential sponsors. If we all work together on this we can achieve many of the targets we want to set ourselves as a club both on the pitch and around development of stadium facilities. Neither can happen without the income streams necessary to fund this and the club needs supporters to play their part as much as possible.

“Finally the club would like to re-assure supporters that the Eastern Terracing Project will not be affected by this situation and work will commence when the revised construction method and Emergency Lighting Scheme requested by Kirklees Building Control is approved.”