Shirt deal to help hospice

The club have signed a two-year deal with Walsall NHS which will see the hospice emblazoned on the front of their shirts, with Sign Specialists, company of board member Richard Tisdale, agreeing a one-year showing on the back.

The hospice, which is set to open in September 2010, needs to raise £1.5m for funding and the Saddlers will make a donation for every shirt sold.

"This is much more than just a shirt sponsorship deal," said chief executive Roy Whalley. "This is a living, breathing sponsorship agreement that is a natural progression of our relationship with NHS Walsall.

"We are proud to be carrying the name of Walsall Hospice and are looking forward to working with both the hospice and NHS Walsall to ensure the success of this project."

Whalley declined to reveal the financial details of the agreements, but insists they are happy with both.

"It's a financial package that's suitable for both parties," he said. "We are delighted with the sponsorship level we have and we really do believe it's an excellent partnership."

NHS Walsall already sponsor the Txt64446 Health Stand at the Banks's Stadium and hope the deal will help as they aim to find the money to equip the building and cover the first year's running cost.

Chairman of NHS Walsall, Geoff Archenhold, hopes the deal will help make the dream a reality.

He said: "A hospice for Walsall has been an ambition of the Borough for more than 20 years. Having the name of Walsall Hospice on the football kit is an ideal reminder to everyone the hospice needs wide support from the whole of the Borough to fund this long desired endeavour."

The club have also agreed a deal with shirt manufacturers Admiral who will supply the kit until 2012 and have returned to a red home strip, with a green and black away jersey, after two campaigns in white.