Sponsorship deal sees Blades cut Olympian’s name from stands

ESTATE agent Redbrik has signed a sponsorship deal with Sheffield United that has meant that Olympic champion Jessica Ennis-Hill’s name will be removed from the stands at Bramhall Lane.

Club owner Kevin McCabe said at the time that Ms Ennis-Hill’s stand would be “a permanent reminder that will hopefully act as an inspiration to other youngsters to come forward and achieve their dreams through sport.”

The name-change comes just months after controversy over disgraced footballer Ched Evans and his potential return to the club.

London 2012 Heptathlon gold-medallist Ms Ennis-Hill said that she would not want her name on the stands at the club’s ground at Bramhall Lane if he would be playing there, after he was convicted of rape in 2012 and served two and a half years of a five year prison sentence.

Redbrik was founded two years ago by Mark Ross and Julie Bulheller in Chesterfield before expanding into Sheffield and the surrounding region.

Mr Ross said: “We are delighted to be entering into a partnership with the Blades.

“We operate across the region but our Sheffield offices are very much in the heart of the United fan base so a relationship with the Club is an ideal and timely way to further build our profile.”

Sheffield United managing Director Mal Brannigan said “We have started discussions with Jess and her team as to how she continues to be recognised by the Club going forward befitting of her achievements and our hopes for her in Rio 2016.”

Jessica Ennis-Hill said: “It was a real honour to have had the Bramall Lane stand named after me in 2012 in recognition of my Olympic achievements.

“However, I completely understand the need for Sheffield United to recognise the valuable contributions of its sponsors and want to wish the Club and the team all the best for the forthcoming season.”