Southend United have signed an incentive-based £35,000 main sponsorship deal with GKC Communications for next season.

The Wickford-based firm have agreed the lump sum with Blues and will have their name emblazoned on the Shrimpers' home shirt during the 2003/04 campaign.

But Seasiders' commercial manager Brian Wheeler said the deal could be worth a lot more, if both the Third Division club's first team squad and fans played their part.

"It's a great deal for the club and gives us a chance to earn a nice chunk of money over the course of the season," he said.

"We will receive an initial sum from GKC Communications, which I'm confident can surpass the £55,000 bracket during the next campaign.

"As main sponsors, they have offered us cash incentives for winning promotion, being in the top seven and even for the size of Roots Hall attendances.

"Every time we get a home crowd of 5,000-plus it will be worth more money to us, so everybody has got a part to play in this deal for the good of Southend United."

GKC Communications, who have sponsored the Roots Hall east stand and the recent family bonanza at the club, take over as the club's main benefactors from Martin Dawn plc.

And Wheeler explained how Blues' supporters could help fill the Shrimpers' coffers even further.

"GKC Communications specialise in reducing the telephone bills of both commercial and residential clients," he added.

"They have also devised a package just for Southend fans, that will reduce their bills at no extra cost.

"Savings of 45 per cent can be made on local, national and international calls, with no need to change the phone line or number.

"And the best part of the deal is that GKC Communications have promised to give any money they save Blues' fans back to the football club."

Any Shrimpers fans interested in taking up GKC Communications' savings offer should call freephone 0808 1651870 and ask for the special Blues tariff.

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Published Thursday, April 17, 2003

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