Normally the sort of story we’d reserve for a quick tweet or a share on Facebook or Google+, the actions of online bookmakers Paddy Power are becoming increasingly difficult to keep off the front page.
Always looking to top their last eccentric marketing stunt, many might have thought sponsoring Skrill Conference South' outfit Farnborough FC might have been a little underwhelming.
However, this Saturday, the Hampshire based club will be fielding a starting XI that could include' Lionel Messi, Pel'' and Franz Beckenbauer.
Well. Technically.
This isn’t just another oil-rich oligarch takeover. In a world football first' brokered by bookmaker Paddy Power, every player in the first team squad of' Farnborough FC has changed their name by deed poll to that of a legendary' footballer in their respective position – meaning the most star-studded team' ever assembled will be kicking off against the might of Chelmsford City this' Saturday.
The madness isn’t restricted the pitch, either.
The gaffer of' Farnborough FC, formerly known as Spencer Day, has become Boro's very' own ‘Special One’ by changing his name to Chelsea favourite Jos' Mourinho, and will be ably assisted by a backroom staff that includes Sir Alex Ferguson and Terry Venables.
Oh, and fans can now look forward to watching games at the newly-christened Paddy Power Park, where this weekend’s game will be free to watch in a bid to get the stadium rocking for the first home game of the season.
On a more serious note, the sponsorship by Paddy Power brings' Farnborough FC out of administration for the first time since April, adding stability where the future looked uncertain – and the publicity will undoubtedly help bring in some additional bodies through the turnstiles this season.
No news on whether the club will be selling ‘Pel' 10’ shirts outside the ground on match days, though.
Personally, we love Paddy Power’s mischief-making, but we feel for the defender-formerly-known-as' Oliver George Treacher, who will now have to tell border force agents his name is' Silva Rocha Roberto Carlos next time he goes on holiday.
You’re messing with people’s lives here, Paddy Power.
