Celebrations as new sponsor signs

Ryman League Margate are celebrating after unveiling a new main sponsor for their assault on next season's Ryman Premier championship.

The Premier Division's Gate announced on Thursday that Alltype Pumps had signed a season long deal to take over as their new front of shirt sponsors. Alltype Pumps have also agreed to sponsor Thanet Football Academy, Margate's partnership with Hartsdown Academy, a local technology college.

At a press conference at Hartsdown Park, Margate's Commercial Manager Cliff Egan expressed his delight on striking a deal despite the tough economic times that have left many clubs still chasing commercial partners ahead of the new campaign in August.

Egan said: "I was speaking to Macron our kit manufacturers and they said a lot of clubs are holding off on their new kits while trying to find sponsors. We're grateful to Paul [Morgan of Alltype Pumps] that he stepped up to become our main sponsor for 2013-14.

He added: "We have a main sponsor signed up for the following season but it was difficult to find someone for just one season. Paul understood our situation."

Alltype’s Morgan, pictured left with Egan as Academy star Olinto Santos models the club's rebranded kit, said: "Margate is a friendly club. I really liked the way it is run and appreciate the ambition of the club, so when Cliff spoke to me about the sponsorship gap this year, I was happy to help.

"My involvement with the club started last season through Craig [Holloway, Margate's keeper and joint manager] – he’s a good friend of mine. We provided some funding to bring in a couple of loan players and Kezie Ibe."

Morgan, a season ticket holder at Millwall, says he now hopes to attend as many Margate matches as he can next season after taking over as the club's main sponsor.

"I got to quite a few games last season and while I'll be at the New Den for home Millwall games I will get down to Hartsdown Park whenever I can," he added.

Image courtesy of Don Walker