Proud president is more than a fan

27 Jul 2018 By David Watters

Dave Thompson couldn't be prouder about his appointment as the new president of EVO-STIK League Marine.

The managing director of Marine Travel, the Crosby-based club's main shirt and stadium sponsor since 2014, Thompson has told fans he was honoured to accept an invitation from the EVO-STIK League Premier Division club's management committee to succeed Geoff Kewley following his sad passing last year.

Pictured following his appointment for season 2018-19 at Marine's AGM, Thompson is following in the footsteps of two other main sponsors to become president, Broseley Homes MD Graham Baker in the 1980s and Dennis Hargreaves of Johnsons The Cleaners in the 1990s.

As well supporting the Mariners as shirt sponsors since 2012 before taking over the stadium sponsorship until 2024 two years later, Thompson's Marine Travel are also the main sponsors at Canterbury Rugby Union Club near the company's base in Kent as well as frequent sponsors of Everton.

Shake on it: Dave Thompson and Paul Leary unveil Marine Travel as main sponsors in 2012

A keen home and away England fan who was in Russia for the World Cup semi-final, he told the club's website: “I got involved with Marine not for accolades or recognition but because over the years the club has always been in my heart. Even the years away from the city, I always looked out for Marine and how the club was doing. The club is in my DNA.

"Since that day I first got involved everyone has made me feel welcome and part of the club and that is the most special thing about Marine. I’ve seen this said by many a visitor through the gates, home and away fans alike. To be given this very special recognition is an honour and is an honour I willingly and gratefully accept.”

Marine chairman Paul Leary said: “Dave Thompson has given an unprecedented commitment to Marine Football Club. We are very fortunate to have him as our main sponsor and especially to the long term commitment that he and his company Marine Travel has given through to 2024.

"His backing has provided that stability that every football club strives for and his advice and influence is such a big help in such challenging times. The appointment of Dave as our president is a fitting reward for what he has done since 2012 and for what he has committed through for another five seasons and hopefully beyond.”

Images courtesy of @MarineAFC/Twitter

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