The Conference is set to sign a new title sponsorship deal with green energy firm Ecotricity.Forest Green owner Dale Vince is reported to be in advanced talks with the Conference board to take over as the title sponsors of the competition with Blue Square pulling out in the summer.
Sources at Conference HQ have leaked details of the new three year sponsorship and, while there is only a minimal change to the money that will be due to clubs, a number of changes will be implemented over the summer to meet Ecotricity's green values and benefit clubs financially.
The company plans to replace floodlight pylons at grounds with a combined pylon and wind turbine, providing free electricty to run the floodlights and ground power needs, with council planning rules circumvented due to new Government legislation on green power sources coming in this month. The pylons would stand at least 30 metres above the existing stands and would be free of charge to clubs, acting as a advertisement for the company as it plans rapid expansion.
The Stroud based firm will also supply robotic mowers, already being used at Forest Green, to each club to cut the grass. Unfortunately, for most, the Ecotricity rebrand will also require all 68 Conference clubs to go meat-free.
The policy was implemented at Forest Green last summer to much complaint from fans with a Fish and Chips option in their Green Man social club the only meat still available at the ground.
(This is, of course, rubbish. Probably...)
(This is, of course, rubbish. Probably...)