NFLEL Discontinues Operations of Scottish Claymores
The NFL Europe League has discontinued operations of the Scottish Claymores, NFL Europe Managing Director Jim Connelly announced yesterday.
'This is the toughest decision this league has ever had to make,' said Connelly. 'The Claymores have achieved considerable success over the past decade and for any sports team to average close to 11,000 fans per game in this market is commendable.
'But the economics of our league and the interest shown by other cities have forced us to look at whether there are other markets that give us a greater opportunity of improving our business. We believe at this time that such an opportunity exists.'
The Claymores have been part of the NFLEL since 1995, posting an average attendance of 10,799 during their 10 seasons. They achieved a franchise-record average attendance of 13,904 in 2001, but have seen crowds fall for the past three seasons.
The NFLEL will announce details of a new franchise in the near future.
Connelly praised the work of Claymores general manager Steve Livingstone and his staff. 'We have nothing but admiration for the job that the Claymores front office has done. As well as introducing new fans to the sport, they have developed important relationships and established a base for the game at the grassroots level that we hope to maintain and build upon in the future.
'We are aware of the deep disappointment that will be felt by the many Claymores fans and thank them for the loyal support they have given to the team. We also thank all the coaches, players and staff who have contributed to the franchise over the years.'
Connelly explained that the NFL will retain a football development team in Scotland to continue the grassroots programs that the Claymores have successfully introduced in local schools and will continue to identify and develop young Scottish talent as part of NFL Europe’s National Player Development Program.
For more details contact:
David Tossell
Director of Public Relations
NFL Europe
44-207-225-3070
'This is the toughest decision this league has ever had to make,' said Connelly. 'The Claymores have achieved considerable success over the past decade and for any sports team to average close to 11,000 fans per game in this market is commendable.
'But the economics of our league and the interest shown by other cities have forced us to look at whether there are other markets that give us a greater opportunity of improving our business. We believe at this time that such an opportunity exists.'
The Claymores have been part of the NFLEL since 1995, posting an average attendance of 10,799 during their 10 seasons. They achieved a franchise-record average attendance of 13,904 in 2001, but have seen crowds fall for the past three seasons.
The NFLEL will announce details of a new franchise in the near future.
Connelly praised the work of Claymores general manager Steve Livingstone and his staff. 'We have nothing but admiration for the job that the Claymores front office has done. As well as introducing new fans to the sport, they have developed important relationships and established a base for the game at the grassroots level that we hope to maintain and build upon in the future.
'We are aware of the deep disappointment that will be felt by the many Claymores fans and thank them for the loyal support they have given to the team. We also thank all the coaches, players and staff who have contributed to the franchise over the years.'
Connelly explained that the NFL will retain a football development team in Scotland to continue the grassroots programs that the Claymores have successfully introduced in local schools and will continue to identify and develop young Scottish talent as part of NFL Europe’s National Player Development Program.
For more details contact:
David Tossell
Director of Public Relations
NFL Europe
44-207-225-3070