Pictured above: (l-r) Peter White, Aidy Boothroyd and Julie
White
Coventry City manager Aidy Boothroyd has thanked a local firm
for supporting him - and his 15 predecessors!
D-Drill, which is based in Shilton, near Coventry, and has
offices across the UK, has been sponsoring the manager of the Sky
Blues since Bobby Gould's reign started in 1983.
The company, which has expertise in diamond drilling, sawing and
surface preparation, has featured in the club's programme on the
kit sponsors page since then and has an advertising hoarding at the
ground.
The idea was thought up by D-Drill's previous owner, Peter
White, and has been continued by his daughter, Julie White, who
took over the business in 2008.
Boothroyd said: "For a club to be successful, it needs to have
the support of local people and local businesses and I have been
absolutely delighted with the response I have had since I joined
Coventry City back in May.
"D-Drill epitomise that and have been big supporters of Coventry
City for more than 25 years now.
"It has no doubt helped the firm to promote their business,
which is what sponsorship deals such as this are all about.
"But the impression that Julie and her father, Peter, gave me
was that this is as much about supporting the football club because
they want us to do well. As a club, we can't ask any more."
Julie White said the Coventry City sponsorship was often an
ice-breaker with other local businesses.
She said: "For a lot of people, as soon as they hear the name
D-Drill they mention the sponsorship of Coventry City's manager. It
strikes a chord with people.
"I remember when Dad first started sponsoring Bobby Gould and
we've continued as a business ever since. We even sponsored the
family stand at Highfield Road during the final season there.
"There have been some colourful characters down the years and
some have been more successful than others, that's for sure.
"But Aidy has made a really positive start at the club and has
got the whole city talking about Coventry City FC for the right
reasons.
"And it was great that he took the time out to come and meet me
and Dad to say thank you for the support we give to the club."