8 Feb 2010Southampton plan sponsor-free shirt

Football Clubs News | Football Sponsors/ Sponsorship and Media

Southampton are not seeking a new shirt sponsor to replace current partner Flybe, according to reports.

Last week, the Exeter-based airline announced that it had decided not to renew its football sponsorship agreement with the League One side at the end of the season.

However, instead of looking for a new deal, the Saints are expected to unveil a sponsor-free shirt for the 2010-11 campaign.

According to the Southern Daily Echo, Southampton are planning to wear a plain white shirt with a diagonal red sash next season to celebrate the club's 125th anniversary.

Flybe's director of marketing Simon Lilley described the firm's four-year partnership with the Saints as "a real rollercoaster of a ride", with the south coast outfit being relegated from the Championship in 2009 after incurring a ten-point penalty for going into administration.

However, he added: "We are parting on very amicable terms with Southampton and leave the club in a good position - solvent and with an exciting future under the new owners."

Swiss businessman Markus Liebherr completed his takeover at St Mary's in July last year and the club are currently 12th in League One.

Written by Tom Jenkins

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