Yokohama HPT Continues MK Dons Sponsorship

The UK distributor for Yokohama and Advan high-performance tyres, Yokohama HPT Ltd (YHPT) has continued its relationship with local soccer team, MK Dons for the 2008/9 season. Last season was the first for the partnership between Yokohama and the MK Dons, which YHPT saw as a valuable opportunity to support its local community. And it turned out to be an inspired decision; the team was promoted to League 1 of the Football League and in addition, claimed the coveted Johnstone’s Paint Trophy by the end of the season.

In addition, Yokohama HPT was proud to see the Japanese company’s logos displayed around the 31,000-seat stadium throughout the season, as well as enjoying the opportunity to support the team in person, along with a selection of guests and VIPs.

There have been several changes to the team over the off-season, not least of which was the appointment of a new manager; former Lazio, Chelsea and Italy midfielder Roberto Di Matteo has joined, to move the club even further forward this season.

Di Matteo is no stranger to British soccer; he formed part of the unstoppable Chelsea line-up in the late 1990s and early 2000s, until a triple leg-break forced an early retirement for the Italian in 2002. However, his new position at MK Dons is his first in management and having made an impressive start to the season with some exciting additions to the squad, he is keen to make his mark with the team.

The team’s 2008/9 season has already begun well, with the MK Dons currently lying fourth in League 1, just two points away from the top spot. And while much of the season remains, Di Matteo is already excited about the team’s performance so far. “These are very exciting times,” said the Italian, “especially when we win. It lifts everyone; not just the players but also everyone involved with the club…For us, as a football club, we are a focal point for the whole local community. The support of local businesses, such as Yokohama HPT, is a positive sign of the community spirit that exists in Milton Keynes and the support that the club receives from the entire community.”

Commenting on the news, Yokohama HPT Ltd managing director, David Seward said: “We are delighted to be partners to the MK Dons for the second year running. Last season, our first with the team, proved extremely successful for us, with the opportunity to not only expose the local community to Yokohama branding but also, actively support the MK Dons as they worked to secure the double.

“I’m sure that with a manager of Roberto’s stature, the club will rise to even greater heights, which I know is their ambition. We are keen to support our local team, as I’m sure is all of Milton Keynes and we look forward to cheering the MK Dons on during another successful season.