Tigers on verge of signing Crazy deal
05 October 2005
Herald Sun
Michael Warner
RICHMOND is poised to sign a lucrative sponsorship deal with mobile phone magnate "Crazy" John Ilhan.
The two parties are in discussions and are expected to finalise an agreement for the 2006 season and beyond by Christmas.
The Tigers are already well supported by joint major sponsors Motorola and the Australian Finance Group, but Mr Ilhan, a life-long Richmond supporter, says he is willing to pour millions of dollars into the club he loves.
"I've been waiting for a major (sponsorship) but it's never really come up. So we're going to go in there anyway at some level and get involved," he said yesterday.
"We've tried a few times before and it didn't work out but now we'll be there for the long haul."
The 39-year-old said few people at Tigerland realised he was a die-hard supporter until his name emerged during last year's bitter boardroom dispute.
He has since met with coach Terry Wallace and chief executive Steve Wright to discuss a number of options, including signage rights at Punt Rd Oval.
Ilhan said he was also interested in joining the Richmond board in coming years. "If the opportunity was there and I was asked, I'd love to they're my team, " he said.
Crazy John's has an existing sponsorship deal with Collingwood.
Richmond's off-field fortunes have soared since the TAC withdrew its major sponsorship in April.
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