Luton Town Hand Over Image Rights To Supporters To Protect Against Any Unwanted Future Identity Changes

Chris Wright

14th, March 2014

By Chris Wright

Soccer - Blue Square Premier League - Play Off Final - AFC Wimbledon v Luton Town - City of Manchester Stadium

In a bid to protect themselves for the kind of owner-fuelled “branding” issues that have plagued the likes of the Cardiff Dragonbirds and Hull City Powertigers in recent times, Luton Town have handed their supporters the legal right to veto any proposed future change made to the club’s image.

Luton 2020, the consortium that currently owns the Hatters, have agreed a deal which will see the club’s image rights trusted to Trust In Luton, the Conference side’s official supporter’s group, meaning that any change to Luton Town’s club’s name, nickname, kit colours, crest or mascot now cannot go through without their permission.

A statement on Luton’s official website reads:

“We are delighted to announce that 2020 and Trust in Luton have agreed a deal to protect the exclusive image rights of Luton Town, which includes the name, nickname, mascot, colours and crest.

“The Trust, the official fans’ shareholders in the Club, will from now on have the legal right to veto any changes in the decision on club name, kit colours and alterations to the club crest and mascot identity.

“This means that the club’s image is protected and protected by people who will always care and always be there.”

This all comes after resolutely loathed former owner John Gurney (who was once arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to smuggle cocaine) attempted to merge the club with Wimbledon and change their name to London Luton some 11 years ago in a clever homage to the nearby airport.

Thankfully, it all fell apart when Gurney, who announced his 2003 arrival at The Hatters by sacking manager popular Joe Kinnear and then running a public vote to decide who took over (with several of the new managers touted on his eight-man poll firmly under contract at other clubs) was eventually ousted from the club and sent packing.

(Via Luton Town)

Posted in Newsnow, Non-League

Share this article: Email

Leave a Reply