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Our Player Kit Sponsorship has proved a popular package this season, with the majority of players having their kit snapped up by supporters.
With much of the squad being sponsored over the summer, one Pools fan could not believe his luck when he saw that in-form striker Gime Toure was still up for grabs.
But this was not a supporter who gets to see the Toure in action at The Vic every other week, as Tony Sweeting's backing comes from a little further away – over 10,000 miles in fact, as Tony now lives in New South Wales, Australia.
We were interested to find out exactly why Tony decided to sponsor Gime for 2019/20 so we put him on the spot to find out more.
What made you decide to sponsor Gime?
“I decided to sponsor Gime Toure for a few reasons. Seeing the Facebook post about Gime not having a shirt sponsor even though at the time he was I think the leading scorer in the National League, reminded me
of something Craig had said pre-season when we signed Gime about the struggles he had had feeling at home and wanted in his time playing in England and that if a club and it supporters could make him feel at home he would be a great player and would thrive.
“I felt if I could show a little bit of support by sponsoring him it might in some small make him feel that bit more at ease at Hartlepool and let him know he was wanted/appreciated. Sounds strange I know,
and I don't even know if the players know about their shirt sponsors or not? Living in Australia I don't get the chance to support the club financially very often (although I did buy a season ticket one year!!!) and this was a chance to help the club in a small way.
“As for Gime's shirt it will without any doubt be going into my Pools Bar that I have at my house. I have a few others on the wall but I'm sure I'll find a place for it.”
How closely can you follow Pools from Australia?
“The internet is now a god send to be honest. I watch all the Pools TV clips (even better now there is no subscription required) and also manage to see all National League Highlights from BT Sports every week. I also
watched the Woking and Stockport County games live on BT Sport.
“Facebook, and all the groups are another great source of gossip and chat for all things pools related, although I don't post to often as when I'm up and around most others are tucked up in bed!”
Your thoughts on the season so far….
“Like most supporters of all clubs who aren't pushing the top of the season a little frustrating, although I am eternally grateful to Mr Singh for putting his hand deep into his pockets to not only save the club I
love but to keep on doing it week after week.
“The history of our club is littered with drama off the field and I'm constantly amazed at the people that come in to help time and time again. I remember the Harold Hornsey days and I'm sure Mr Singh will be
remembered in the same way in years to come. To have a club at all is a blessing and I'm sure once we get a fully fit squad on the pitch we will be pushing up the table.
“I have always been immensely proud to be a Poolie and have continued to tell all and sundry around the world about my love for the town and its club. We are, and I hope always will be, a culturally diverse
welcoming club.
“It all comes full circle to Gime I guess and why I sponsored him? Show the players we love them regardless of race, colour or creed, and they in turn will be happy, better players who love Hartlepool United as much as we do. If we all pull together in the same direction I'm 100% sure we will get back into the League and we can achieve great things. After all, isn't that what being a supporter is all about?
“I used the Sweeting Family as the sponsor because my Mam and Dad are season ticket holders (I converted them many years ago) and wanted them to be part of it as well. My Dad has been unwell recently and doesn't get to all the games but he is as passionate about Pools as anyone.”
Thank you for your support, Tony!
If you would like to sponsor a Pools player this season, get in touch to find out who is still available.
Email commercial@hartlepoolunited.co.uk or call 01429 272584 (option 9).