Crown Paints to end Blackburn Rovers ties

MANUFACTURER Crown Paints will not be renewing its sponsorship of Blackburn Rovers Football Club, it emerged today.

The Lancashire company’s statement came hours after John Williams, the club’s long-serving executive chairman quit.

Crown’s statement made pointed reference to its disappointment over Mr Williams’ departure.

It said: ““Sponsoring the Blackburn Rovers’ shirts over the last three years has been a partnership we have really valued and been proud of. It has therefore been a very difficult for us to decide not to renew the contract when it comes to an end in May. 
 
“We have really valued the excellent working relationship we have built up with Chairman, John Williams, Tom Finn and Simon Williams, and wish to thank them all for this opportunity. 

“We are disappointed to hear the news of John’s departure from the club.  He was an incredibly respected chairman and admired by so many people, both on a local and national level. 
 
“In line with our growth strategy, we are in the process of researching other opportunities to consider in the future.”

Mr Williams, who joined the club in 1997 as chief executive before becoming executive chairman in 2005 has resigned and left his position, three months after the takeover by Indian group Venkys.

In a statement on the official website, Mr Williams said: “With our new owners the Venkys Group I have no doubt this is a new dawn for the club.

“There is a new order, a new way of doing things and I believe the time is right for me to move on.”

Mr Williams was said in football circles, to have been very upset about the sacking by Indian poultry group Venkys of team manager Sam Allardyce. Initially it looked as though he was going to stay on, but has clearly decided otherwise.