STADIUM NAME TALKS GO ON

12 July 2005

Talks aimed at securing naming rights for Swansea's new £27 million stadium are continuing. Fans of the Ospreys and Swansea City Football Club have been waiting eagerly to learn what their new home will be called. But management at the £27 million ground are playing their hands close to their chest with just days to go before it opens.

They would not say if they were confident of having a name in place by the time the Swans take the pitch against Fulham in Alan Curtis's testimonial a week on Saturday.

A spokesman would also not be drawn on whether StadCo, the stadium's management company, were happy with the way the saga over naming rights was dragging on.

Fans have been waiting since last year for an answer to the naming question after a decision was taken to drop the working title of White Rock, a popular name still used by many fans.

Instead, signs directing visitors to the 20,000 seater venue simply say "stadium".

Stadium bosses had hoped to announce a deal for the naming rights at the Morfa development by the end of June but nothing has materialised.

A spokesman for StadCo did say the sale of other advertising at the stadium was going well.

He said: "Sales of the pitchside advertising is progressing extremely well, as is the sale of other advertising spots within the venue.

"Specific negotiations are also taking place to provide stand sponsors."

He also confirmed that a deal for the stadium's bars was also due to be agreed this week.

But with the season edging closer the pressure is mounting for the stadium to be given a name.It is one problem facing Ashley Donlan, of stadium VIP ticket managers Bastion, and Steve Evans from the council who are now leading the project after chief executive Tim Howell left the stadium last month, after only six months in post.

The reasons behind his departure have not been disclosed but have surely added to the problems facing the new stadium.

A spokesperson for Stadco said: "We want to ensure we get the right deal and the right company to sponsor the stadium."