DELIGHTED Chester football supporters have thanked a major new sponsor for ‘inspiring confidence’ in the phoenix club ahead of the new season.
Determined supporters group, City Fans United (CFU), have recently celebrated Chester Football Club’s new partnership with MBNA that will help them purchase kits over the next two years.
Manufactured by Joma and sponsored by MBNA, the shirts will go on sale this Thursday at the Deva Stadium club shop, costing £34.99 for adults and £24.99 for children.
The traditional blue-and-white striped home shirt is complemented by black shorts and hooped blue-and-white socks, while the purple away shirt is accompanied by white shorts and socks.
Spokesman for CFU, Jeff Banks said it was a step in the right direction for the new phoenix club.
He said: “I think it’s fantastic news for the football club because MBNA is such a large company, and to have the backing of such an institution is fantastic for Chester City. It is a community benefit because we are a community club.
“It also shows that we will be taken seriously as a football club.
“Right from the start we set out our intentions, and this will announce to other businesses that we are absolutely serious about making the return journey. It is certainly encouraging for other businesses to come forward and join us.
“For a company of that size to come forward just shows this can be done.”
Adults buying both the home and away shirts in the same size will pay £65, and fans will be able to order merchandise direct to their home through the club website.
John Greaves, from MBNA said the company was pleased to sponsor the new kit. He added: “The club is in its infancy, it is establishing a solid platform for the future, in a good league, with a good manager and, we hope, a fantastic future.”
Club chairman Chris Pillsbury spoke of his delight at the news. He said: “We are delighted that MBNA are continuing to support the club as they have throughout our campaign for a new fans-owned club - and we would like to thank them for their ongoing support.”
Councillor Mike Jones, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “This sponsorship deal will provide a major boost for the phoenix club - particularly as it comes from such a prestigious organisation.
“I’d like to thank MBNA for their support, which I hope will help us realise the vision of a true community club.”
Spokesman for CFU supporters group, Jeff Banks, said the shirt sponsorship ‘inspired confidence’ in the supporters and the club.
He added: “It gives a bit of stability to the club as it is a two-year-deal. It is a good time at the moment to be a Chester fan.”
The kit deal announcement comes following news that Chester FC will take part in next year’s Evo-Stik League Division One North.
The new MBNA-sponsored kit will be available from the Chester FC club shop from Thursday, July 8, from 10am-2pm and 4pm-7pm, or visit www.chesterfc.com for more details.