HARRY KANE is making a sensational return to Leyton Orient – as their shirt sponsor.
The big-hearted England skipper and Tottenham striker has agreed with his local League Two club that they will wear the names and logos of his three favourite good causes – including a message to the nation’s Covid-19 frontline heroes – on the front of their shirts next season.
Kane netted five goals during a 2011 loan spell at OrientCredit: Rex Features
He has since gone on to superstardom at SpursCredit: Reuters
The groundbreaking deal, believed to be worth around £100,000, has been approved by the EFL, FA and Premier League.
Kane, 26, has a soft spot for the Os after they gave him his first taste of pro football with a loan spell in the second half of the 2010-11 season.
He said: “I was born and brought up only a couple of miles from the stadium and I am really happy to have the opportunity to give back to the club that gave me my first professional start.
“This also gives me a platform to be able to say a big thank you to the many frontline heroes and charities out there who provide care and support during these challenging times.”
The unprecedented sponsorship deal for the 2020-21 campaign will see the front of Orient’s home shirt emblazoned with a thank-you message to those key workers on the frontline of the country’s battle to contain the current coronavirus crisis.
The Os’ away shirts will have the Haven House Children’s Hospice – a charity Kane and Tottenham have long supported.
While the tops of Orient’s third strip will feature the logo of Mind, the mental health charity.
The deal will see the three good causes able to enjoy free hospitality at home games – as well as ten per cent of the proceeds of every shirt sold.
Kane finished his stint at Brisbane Road with five goals in 18 matches.
Orient chief executive Danny Mackin said: “What started with a simple idea has escalated into a very unique and emotive shirt sponsorship agreement.
“When we discussed with the England captain Harry Kane and his team at CK66, we all decided that we wanted this to be unique.
“We wanted to say thank you for the exceptional hard work and dedication of the frontline heroes during this pandemic and also bring attention to the other charities out there who have all suffered financial loss due to the pandemic.
“We are in uncertain and worrying times across the world but thanks to their efforts we will get through this together.
“Thank you, Harry, for your amazing support and generosity – you are a true role model for the modern game.”
Orient’s commercial chief Josh Stephens added: “I think every Orient fan has a soft spot for Harry and it’s fantastic that Harry is supporting three extremely worthy causes.
“He is also supporting the club during these challenging times and we are extremely grateful to him and all at CK66.
“As we all look forward to live football, I for one cannot wait until the O’s run out donning the ‘Thankyou frontline heroes’ message.”
Gary Lineker admits Harry Kane is right to think about his future at Tottenham
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
