Port Vale unveiled their new 08/09 kits with their secured "best ever" main sponsorship deal with one of the UK's leading international property investment companies.
Basildon-based Harlequin Properties have agreed a two year deal to put their names on Vale's new-look black and white striped shirts - and have taken an option on a third year. There will also be a promotion bonus for Vale if they bounce back to League One at the first attempt.
Harlequin sell hundreds of millions of pounds worth of luxury property at five star spa resorts in the Caribbean and other top tourist destinations worldwide. The company, who have a global network of 4,000 agents, are looking to base a regional office at Vale Park as well as using the stadium facilities for seminars and training events.
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David Ames, Chairman of Harlequin, said it was Vale's community ethos which attracted him to club and to clinch the sponsorship.
"When we visited the club it was clear they shared the same community aspirations and values as our company," said Mr Ames.
"When we develop our resorts around the world we make a commitment to invest in the local community and be involved. We have helped to build roads and hospital facilities on islands in the Caribbean where we have developments.
"We take a long-term view on business and we are looking forward to a successful long-term relationship with Port Vale - that is why we have taken a two year deal with an option to extend. We hope our involvement will be a springboard for promotion for Vale and we have written in a financial incentive if this happens."
Vale Chairman Bill Bratt said: "We are delighted to attract a high-profile international company to be a our main sponsors. Harlequin have made a two year commitment and this continuity amounts to our best ever sponsorship.
"Coming so soon after we announced record season ticket sales, securing a prestigious backer is another postive sign that the club is moving forward again. Harlequin are among the leaders in their industry and are acommunity-minded business - just as we are a community-minded club."
Bill quipped: "Like their properties - this partnership is made in paradise!" Harlequin are looking to raise their UK profile with the shirt-deal but they will also be helping to promote Vale by featuring the club in their national advertising campaigns.
Mr Ames, who describes himself as "a football man", is a former youth development officer at Southend United and his son, Daniel, aged 31, once played for the Shrimpers reserves at Vale Park. Besides the Vale sponsorship,
Harlequin have executive boxes at Old Trafford and the new Wembley Stadium. Mr Ames added: "It would be quite a bonus if I were watching Vale from both of those boxes this season!"
