10 May 2006

The new Johnstone’s Paint Trophy sponsorship will run over three years and represents the biggest financial investment by a sponsor in the 23-year history of the cup competition. The trophy is played for by football clubs from Leagues 1 and 2 and could be one of the very first cup finals to be played at the new Wembley Stadium.

The announcement comes on the same day that Johnstone’s announces a major relaunch of the premium paint brand. The company, which has been making paint since 1890 and is part of the SigmaKalon Group, has announced a number of key investments to raise its game within the decorating industry.

Speaking at the announcement of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, Angus Blundell, Marketing Manager, Trade Brands, said it was great to be supporting professional football in 48 town and city clubs across the country. “This is one of the most important and exciting days in our company’s history.

“With 165 decorator centres throughout the UK, Johnstone’s works in partnership with decorators and specifiers from every region and we’re pleased to be putting something back into their communities.”

Football League Chairman, Lord Mawhinney, said: “This is excellent news and provides a real end of season boost for league clubs.

“All supporters want to see their club competing for silverware and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy gives clubs from Leagues 1 and 2 a cup competition that realistically they can win.

“The financial rewards of this competition can also be considerable. This season, for instance, Swansea City and Carlisle United each earned more than £250,000 from their appearance in the final.”