Eckersley Sponsorship

Date: 26 March 2014

On Saturday we welcome Eckersley Commercial Property Solutions to Lightfoot Green as the main match sponsor for the 1st XV’s game with Birmingham Solihull.

Eckersley

Ahead of the game we asked them some questions about their business as well as asking partner Andy Taylorson some questions about his career in rugby.

Who are Eckersley and what services do they offer?

Eckersley are an independent firm of Commercial Property Consultants offering professional property advice to clients throughout the North West and specialist services also on a national basis. Our clients include private individuals; SME’s; Local Authorities; financial institutions and a number of major plcs and multinationals.

What connections do Eckersley have to Preston Grasshoppers?

We have been avid supported of Hoppers throughout our history and at all levels. This includes former players, staunch supporters, parent coaches as well as offering our expertise in a professional capacity to the Club’s management and Executive. We are members of Grasshoppers Business Network and regularly support various fund raising events and, of course, the Hoppers in general.

Why should members of Preston Grasshoppers consider using Eckersley’s services?

We pride ourselves on offering property advice in a no nonsense way, dealing with matters in a clear and precise manner regardless of the complexities and technicalities that may be involved. Our services are diverse and through our own professional network we can offer advice or make recommendations on the use of other fellow professionals on a wide range of property and development related issues

Why are Eckersley keen to sponsor a 1st XV game at Hoppers?

We are frequent visitors to the Grasshoppers and feel that the experience, service and quality of entertainment offers the perfect opportunity to entertain guests and fellow professionals in a relaxing and welcoming environment.

Regular members at Preston Grasshoppers will know Andy Taylorson who is a partner at Eckersley. Andy is a former 1st Xv player and now National Panel Referee.We took this opportunity to ask some questions about his career

Andrew Taylorson

Tell us a little about your playing career at Hoppers.

I had 10 seasons playing with Preston Grasshoppers and played in nearly 200 games missing the milestone as a result of a second broken leg that brought on an early retirement from senior rugby.

What is your favourite game that you played for Hoppers?

Every game at Lightfoot Lane was a special moment and running onto that pitch still has the same effect. I do remember my last game which was against Orrell, in the Lancashire Cup Final in 1997. I had decided privately that would be a fitting end – win or lose – to hang up my boots. Sadly we lost narrowly, but it was, for me, the right time and an appropriate end.

Who is the best player you have played with at Hoppers?

Micky Parker. I had the privilege to play with some very talented and charismatic individuals. Some played for England and the British Lions, but Micky was the stand out character that just got stuck in week in week out, never complained and always delivered to the best of his ability.

How does refereeing compare to playing?

Refereeing has never taken the place of playing, nor being part of a team, even though a number of my former playing colleagues have said I’m a better referee than player! I’d always advocate playing while you are young enough and have the opportunity. Refereeing has, however, been good to me and with the support of my wife, family and colleagues given me the opportunity to travel and experience rugby in places I would not have seen or visited as a player.

What is your prediction for the game this Saturday?

Hoppers to win of course! They may well have to raise their game to beat a team higher in the League, but with the benefit of home advantage and hopefully drier weather conditions so they can play to their strengths, it is theirs for the taking.

We hope that Andy, his colleagues, guests and clients have a great day with us at Lightfoot Green on Saturday.

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