Bodog founder Calvin Ayre wants Ayr United to be known around the world

Jul 29 2011 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

BILLIONAIRE Calvin Ayre wants to make Ayr United known around the world after launching the club's record sponsorship deal.

But the 50-year-old Canadian has stressed he won't be getting involved in the running of the team.

The playboy founder of gaming giant Bodog watched Ayr take on Manchester United on Monday after putting his shirt on the Honest Men.

Ayr could now become a household name in Asia where Bodog are betting kingpins.

A new website, which encourages people to support a second team, is taking off and United will be at the forefront.

And PR chief Ed Pownall claimed: “People in Asia love their football and not just the Premiership.

“We can make Ayr United shirts cool in China. The sky’s the limit.”

At a glitzy press conference, Calvin told the Post: “My father told me when I was a kid that my ancestors came from here.

“I researched the history of Ayr before I had even heard of the club.

“I have seen videos of Ayr playing on the internet. There are no secrets these days – everything is out there.” Calvin kicked off his day at the seaside by taking in Ayr races where he sponsored the first race.

He laughed: “I had a great day. I'm sunburnt but I didn't back any winners. It was great that people were recognising me and calling me by my name like they were already friends with me.

“It made me feel welcome and happy that we have made this decision.

“The idea of the sponsorship is to help Ayr with their plans and promote the club. I want to make the football club known internationally.

“I think we have the right kit. It's some of the best shirts I have seen anywhere in the world. They are genuinely nice.

“The feedback from announcing the deal has been amazing. I've had 50 Ayr fans a day signing up to my facebook page."

Pownall reckons Ayr can now become big in China where millions are football daft.

He said: “We are very excited about the concept of Ayr becoming people's second team and that can only grow and grow. To people outside of Europe, to people outside of English speaking countries.

“We have a lot of presence in Asia and the viewing figures and following for football there just blows your head off compared to anything in Europe or anywhere else.

"That's what we are going to try and build for Ayr United and it has already been too successful and beaten its target.

“The launch is now so we are quite confused as to how that has happened.

“Figures in Asia are eye watering and if we can bring a fraction of that interest over here it will be job well done for everybody.

“They love their football and not just the Premiership. We can make Ayr United the team to follow.

“The people there love to grab on to something and feel part of it."

Bodog, who are also sponsoring West Brom, insists they are at Ayr for the long haul.

Pownall said: “If I am still with the company, the one year deal will be extended. If I can go racing and see football within 200 yards of each other there is nothing better.

“We had 1500 people sign up to the my second team website before we had even officially announced it.

“There is no reason why our deal can't bring tourism to the town. We are buzzing about this deal – let's see where it goes."

Bodog are also sponsoring cult singing fan Somerset Boab who will be making videos and songs about other teams including West Brom – but only Ayr in Scotland.

Ed added: “Ayr fans are great punting people. We offered 5/1 that none of Boab's videos would break 10,000 hits. You clearly got together and it was broken within six weeks.”