CHAMPIONS Chester FC have strengthened their links with MBNA by signing a new two-year sponsorship agreement with the credit card giants.
With the ink barely dry on the deal, which comes less than a fortnight after the Blues won their second straight league title, we can give fans an exclusive first glimpse of the finished design for next season’s retro home top.
Chester FC chief executive Pat Cluskey said: “I’m delighted. MBNA were one of the very first companies to back the club when it was reformed.
“That gave the club a lot of credibility in the early days and the fact that they have seen fit to extend the deal hopefully shows their initial investment was worthwhile.
“I hope that our partnership progresses and that in two seasons’ time we can announce a further deal.”
MBNA, which is a subsidiary of Bank of America, will also become the club’s principal partner as part of the new agreement which is for an undisclosed sum.
The deal signals an ever closer relationship between the Blues and the Chester-based business, who have sponsored the phoenix club’s home and away strips since it rose from the ashes two years ago.
Ian O’Doherty, Europe card executive for Bank of America, said: “We are delighted to be strengthening our two-year relationship with Chester Football Club.
“We are a business that takes pride in supporting our local community and to continue this partnership for a further two years is an investment in the future of the club, a true community club that is so central to the city of Chester.”
Blues chairman Chris Pilsbury echoed Cluskey’s desire to form a long-term partnership with MBNA.
He added: “On behalf of the fans of Chester FC, I would like to thank MBNA for continuing their extremely valuable relationship with the club and further demonstrating their commitment to the local community.”
Chester, who were in action at Chorley last night in a match played after The Chronicle went to press, welcome Marine to the Exacta Stadium on Saturday for their final match of the season (3pm).
