Irish FA chief Patrick Nelson reveals the one thing that was never at risk in Windsor Park naming deal
Nelson also insisted he was delighted with the finances involved, as Clearer Group owner Ross Lazaroo-Hood said it was a 'multi-million pound' deal over eight years.
The Irish FA confirmed that the venue will be known as the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park. The Association previously called it the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park.
As first revealed by Sunday Life last month, the south Belfast ground will carry the name of the Larne-based company for the next eight seasons.
Clearer Water already sponsor the Association's blue riband competition, the Irish Cup.
'We all know it is a football stadium,' insisted Nelson. 'It was known purely as Windsor Park for 100-plus years so we wanted to get over the fact we are a National Football Stadium.
'I think everyone has grasped that one and know what we do here, it does what it says on the tin.
'The Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park is a great way of naming it going forward.
'In our talks with Linfield over the years it was recognised that this could happen.
'We are saying it is 'at Windsor Park' and that is because the heritage of the stadium is paramount.
'There is a big future ahead, but we can't forget the fact that this stadium is 120-years-old and people have some great memories, there is a lot of heart around it as well and none of us wanted to lose those key two words at the end.'
Since the news broke, supporters have voiced their disappointment at not only the name change, but the fact that the agreement with Clearer Twist — part of the Clearer Group — is worth significantly lower than other stadium deals.
As a comparison, the FAI received £34.2m over 10 years when Aviva took the naming rights to Lansdowne Road in 2010. Ulster Rugby, meanwhile, made £4m over 10 years when Ravenhill became the Kingspan Stadium but they are now on the lookout for a new partner as that agreement is ending.
It has also taken the IFA 10 years to find a sponsor for Windsor Park.
'I am delighted with it,' said Nelson. 'We are not the sort of organisation that wants to walk away from any deal where you have really rung out everything from the other side.
'Both sides know they are getting great value from it and want to discuss what we do next. It is a multi-million pound deal and we couldn't be happier.
'The stadium has had so many lives over 120 years, but we have only had direct responsibility for it since the rebuild.
'We opened this rebuilt stadium as The National Football Stadium at Windsor Park in 2016 in another good milestone.
'It was important to find the right partner. It would have been easy to find a name and not worry about the values or partnership — that is not our style. Not just any old brand will do.
'Our job is to promote and develop the game in Northern Ireland and in order to do that you need to work with the right people.
'From talking to the Clearer group, we recognised their values match ours.
'Now we are enhancing the stadium with this new partnership. It has been planned for quite a long time but it starts with the signs you see in the South Stand reception area.
'It is the coming together of two organisations with the same values at heart. We think we embody what Northern Ireland and its spirit is all about and we are delighted to partner with a Northern Ireland company that shares our values.'
Clearer Group owner Ross Lazaroo-Hood explained: 'Every commercial contract is confidential, but it is a multi-million pound deal over eight years.
'That money will filter down to everyone in the game. The fact we have renewal rights shows that everyone is pretty happy.
'Fans will keep supporting the teams that play here. We are honouring the stadium's history and legacy while also looking forward to investing in the game and community.'
IFA president Conrad Kirkwood added: 'It's very much an investment in the future of football. This funding will help improve the game from grassroots levels and also improve the fans' experience.
'The money will go into our various programmes. Both of us will have ideas over a long partnership.
'The money is a private matter, commercially sensitive but it is an eight-year deal with the potential to be extended.
'Fans will have different opinions. I would hope supporters welcome this partnership as being great for football, bringing money into the game.'
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