Hannigan thanks sponsors for support during COVID-19

01/02/2021

Sheffield Eagles Commercial Manager Mark Hannigan has thanked the club’s sponsors for their support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2020 season fell foul to the pandemic and with a provisional date set for the start of the 2021 campaign, the sponsors have kept their spirits high and stayed on board with the Eagles.

Hannigan highlighted the importance of their support, saying: “It has been tough and we have to thank our major sponsors who have stuck with us through this time,”

“They have been really positive and committed for 2021 so we can’t do anything but thank them.

“They are essential to us and have showed there are still positives to be taken by getting involved in professional sport at this time.”

While the world has almost come to a standstill due to COVID-19, Hannigan and the Eagles have been aiming to bring in other sponsors for when the action gets back underway.

He added: “We have a loyal following of sponsors at this level and we’re always looking to engage with more businesses in the Sheffield area,”

“We have joined Sheffield Chamber of Commerce as a senior member and are looking to forge a brilliant relationship with them, as we have done with the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce.

“We do have a profile, we have a World Cup coming to the city in 2021, and we need to show businesses that if they get involved with us, it will help them going forward.”

The last completed season, back in 2019, was a successful one for the club and while nothing could have stopped the abandonment of last year, Hannigan is hoping for more glory on the pitch as it undoubtedly helps the club’s reputation off it.

“We’d love that success every day of the week,” he said.

"It’s all directly linked and the process of being involved in professional sport is that the business feeds the rugby, and the success feeds the business.

“It all goes hand in hand so the better we do on the pitch, the more we can attract off the pitch.

We have been able to sustain this with our great sponsors and hopefully that will only grow bigger as we get more involved with businesses in the Sheffield and wider South Yorkshire region.”

Finally, the Commercial Manager had a message for the Eagles fans who may be struggling during the pandemic and lockdown.

“We are here for the fans, as we always have been,” he added.

"Liam has been setting up the Zoom calls for the fans which is brilliant to see.

“With the pandemic, it’s been tough for everyone and we just want our fans to reach out if they need to.

“Baz Gascoyne (Club Chaplain) has been incredible for us during this time and there are plenty of people within the club that are always willing to listen and have a chat if needed.

“My message is to try and stay strong and we hope to see you all soon!”