urruri
03-06-2003, 15:01
A ladies' soccer team, told by the FA to drop a sponsor because of the logo No bollX, have found a new backer - a hypnotist.
Chester-le-Street Ladies' Football Club thought their financial worries were over when author Keith Brown offered to provide £1,300 sponsorship.
But the FA told the County Durham side to drop the logo - which had been taken from the title of Mr Brown's book - because it was inappropriate. The club planned an appeal but decided against it because of the high cost.
Now hypnotist John Grierson has come forward and offered to sponsor the players. He decided to help after visiting a shop in Newcastle which was selling a collection of signed memorabilia owned by team coach Bill Godward.
Bill, who coaches the team with his wife, Pauline, decided to sell his collection to raise money for the club.
The items, ranging from signed football boots to photographs autographed by Elvis and Bond actors is worth an estimated £90,000.
Mr Grierson is going to use his expertise in mind over matter and give the players motivational talks before matches, says the Northern Echo.
With the backing of a new sponsor and proceeds from the shop being put into the team, the side now hope to become the first semi-professional women's team in the North-East.
Mr Godward said: "My collection has been a labour of love for many, many years. It cost me my first marriage. But I am selling it for the benefit of our club."
Chester-le-Street Ladies' Football Club thought their financial worries were over when author Keith Brown offered to provide £1,300 sponsorship.
But the FA told the County Durham side to drop the logo - which had been taken from the title of Mr Brown's book - because it was inappropriate. The club planned an appeal but decided against it because of the high cost.
Now hypnotist John Grierson has come forward and offered to sponsor the players. He decided to help after visiting a shop in Newcastle which was selling a collection of signed memorabilia owned by team coach Bill Godward.
Bill, who coaches the team with his wife, Pauline, decided to sell his collection to raise money for the club.
The items, ranging from signed football boots to photographs autographed by Elvis and Bond actors is worth an estimated £90,000.
Mr Grierson is going to use his expertise in mind over matter and give the players motivational talks before matches, says the Northern Echo.
With the backing of a new sponsor and proceeds from the shop being put into the team, the side now hope to become the first semi-professional women's team in the North-East.
Mr Godward said: "My collection has been a labour of love for many, many years. It cost me my first marriage. But I am selling it for the benefit of our club."