ONE of the newest innovations at Warrington Wolves was unveiled earlier this month.

Fans at The Halliwell Jones Stadium now get to experience a big screen before, during and after home games – even those not broadcast by Sky.

And chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick, who took over at the turn of the year, believes it will be important for sponsors and supporters.

The deal for two screens was brokered as part of an extended contract to keep the BMW dealership as the stadium naming brand.

“The first big project which needed to be addressed when I took over was the stadium naming rights which landed on my desk in January,” he said.

“Halliwell Jones are such an important partner for us which is why we were so pleased to extend.

“As part of the negotiation process we have ended up with two – inside and out. That’s going to create new income streams but more importantly gives us an enhanced match day experience for fans.”

For Fitzpatrick though, getting things right off the pitch were his main priority when he took over.

He added: “When I first came into this position, I realised there was too much reliance on consultants and it was not viable for the business to continue in that manner.

“So a number of positions needed to be filled. I brought in Geoff Durbin from Manchester City as chief commercial officer, we have a new head of ticketing and new digital executive. And Richie Mathers came in a business development executive role.

“There was a lack of structure to support the business and I believe we have got the team right to help us in the future. These fundamentals weren’t there previously.”

Those ‘fundamentals’ will be key in what the former Salford full-back says is one of his main aims.

“A vision of mine is to be financially sustainable through our own operations,” he said.

“Simon Moran and Stuart Middleton have been absolutely fantastic for this organisation with the resources they have put in. However it is really important we strive to be self-sustainable.

“So it is important when fans come that they are given a first class experience. And it is about building relationships with commercial partners and supporters.”

And he says that while 2017 has been disappointing on the pitch, the long term plan remains the same.

He said: “It is one of my aims to be a consistently top four club.

“It has been quite humbling this year. The messages of encouragement to support the team from the fans has been important.

“Those good years will return, I can guarantee that. Unfortunately performances have not been great this season. We will get through this lean period.”