Carlisle United confirm Pioneer stand sponsorship deal

The stand was recently named The Andrew Jenkins Stand in honour of their long-serving chairman and co-owner.

It had previously been known as the Pioneer Stand - but it has now been confirmed that the food service business will continue to sponsor it for five more seasons.

Over that period it will be known as "The Andrew Jenkins Stand sponsored by Pioneer Foodservice".

The renaming of the stand had led to speculation about its sponsorship and the tie-up with Pioneer.

Carlisle's announcement today confirms the company remain firmly on board.

The newly-named Andrew Jenkins Stand (Image: Ben Holmes)

Blues chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: "After the announcement of the dedication of the East Stand in honour of Andrew Jenkins last week, I am delighted that we can now aslo announce a long-term commercial sponsorship of the Andrew Jenkins Stand by Pioneer Foodservice.

"For a further five years it will carry new branding and be referred to as “The Andrew Jenkins stand sponsored by Pioneer Foodservice”. 

"Pioneer Foodservice is one of the club's longest supporting businesses. It has provided commercial sponsorship over many decades. Crucially, it has also provided financial backing to the club over the years with interest free funding.

"This sponsorship deal is a real win-win and we are pleased to be renewing our association with Pioneer as a commercial partner going into the future."

Pioneer's managing director Graham Jenkins said they felt it was "fitting" to renew their sponsorship of the stand after the "amazing gesture" of naming it after his father.

"We wish Paul and his team every success this season," he added. "Carlisle United Football Club is such a big part of the city and means so much to the proud Cumbrians who live here."