Carlisle United Football Club can confirm that Sales and Marketing Director Phil King will be moving on from Brunton Park in the near future as he takes up a new opportunity back in his native north-east.
Phil, who joined the Cumbrians in June 2015, headed up the club’s commercial and marketing activities, which included overseeing the return of summer concerts to the stadium, with Rod Stewart, Olly Murs and UB40 as headline acts. The latest deal will see Lionel Richie perform in June.
At the same time, he has secured a number of major sponsorship and partnership deals across the county during his three-year stay, increasing commercial income.
He was also part of the club’s 1921 board of directors and a Trustee with the Carlisle United Community Sports Trust.
Speaking about his move, he said: “I have enjoyed my time here at the club, and I am thankful of the support I have had from sponsors, businesses, supporters, Nigel and the other directors and staff here.
“There is a good community around the club, and I hope that that continues to strengthen. I am pleased that we have been able to have some successes in my time here, despite some difficult challenges, most notably the floods in December 2015. I am looking forward to my new challenge and will continue to support the Blues from afar.”
Chief Executive Nigel Clibbens said: “Phil inherited a difficult job, coming to a new area, with shoes to fill, in testing circumstances. Building new contacts in a provincial city is never easy.
“In my time here, Phil has been supportive to me, totally committed and professional, and given his full effort in the job. I am grateful for that. He has played a key part in developing the commercial activities of the club. Most notable has been bringing concerts back to Brunton Park, the new catering and kit deals, and the growing of the commercial income of the club.
“I know he has learned a lot from his experiences, which will stand him in good stead for the future. I personally will be sad to see him go and, on behalf of the club, I wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
Phil will remain with the club in the short-term while we will recruit a replacement and undertake a handover, as soon as is possible.