Watford Football Club, Sega and Sports Interactive (SI) have announced an extension to their long-running partnership that promotes SI’s flagship game, Football Manager (FM).
FM branding will continue to be seen throughout Vicarage Road Stadium, via LED and dugout sponsorship, and the game will also benefit from inclusion on all of the club’s official interview backdrops. In addition, FM will be an ubiquitous presence at the club’s training ground at London Colney.
Whilst Watford supporters, and football supporters across the world, will already be familiar with the tie-up between the companies, 2016/17 heralds a new era in the relationship with collaboration covering a range of areas.
Watford fans will have access to a range of digital initiatives, including video content featuring Watford players showing their managerial skills as well as being able to buy a copy of Football Manager 2017 from the club’s Hornets Shop.
FM will also be making a significant contribution behind-the-scenes, where they will be working with the club’s backroom staff.
Watford’s scouts and coaches will have full access to the famed FM database and will be able to utilise it to assess player information throughout the season and in all official transfer windows, as well as contributing to the success of the game with information passed between the club and developer which has influenced the development of Football Manager 2017.
Spencer Field, Commercial Director of Watford Football Club, said: “We are delighted to extend our long-term relationship with Sega and Sports Interactive.
“It is particularly heartening that we continue to find new ways to innovate, and 2016/17 sees the launch of a number of initiatives for our staff and fans. The relationship enables us to produce compelling content while showcasing the depth and addictiveness of the world’s greatest sport management game.”
Miles Jacobson, Studio Director of Sports Interactive, said: “Whilst it’s true that as a Watford supporter, working with my home-town club is always great, the return of investment on a global basis is the most important thing and Watford continue to deliver great value through this partnership.
“Their forward thinking when it comes to the supporters and the way the club is run both on the football and commercial sides is why we will hopefully be able to continue the relationship not just for this season, but for many years to come.”
