With the new football season only weeks away, Chelmsford City are looking for a new shirt sponsor.

The decision by last season's sponsors QM Asphalt to pull out at the last moment means that City are now seeking a new name to go on their claret and blue shirts in time for the kick-off on August 21.

City's Chief Executive Gary Bellamy said last week: "This is a great opportunity for a mid- Essex business or company to gain a brand awareness in both marketing and general publicity.

"The coming months are going to be perhaps the most exciting in the club's history with the development of the new stadium back in the borough," Bellamy added.

"This means that there will be extensive media coverage over the country and also exposure throughout Dr Martens League clubs and non-league football generally."

The club is also offering the chance for businesses to tie-up a longer term deal rather than the customary one season arrangement.

"We are looking for a sound working relationship with a sponsor that will benefit both parties," Bellamy said.

Anyone interested in discussing the sponsorship concept should contact Gary Bellamy at the club's offices on 01245 353052.

The sponsorship package also includes four premier advertising boards around the ground,a full page advertisement in the match day programme during the season, two vice-presidents season tickets and six match day tickets for guests.

The business sponsors will also find their name and logo on City's internet and will be provided with full corporate hospitality on the opening home game of the season.

On the footballing side City will be playing VS Rugby in their division this season - VS Rugby have been transferred across from the old Midlands Division to make up the complement of 22 sides in the new South and East Division.

City have been drawn at home to neighbours Erith & Belvedere in the first round of next season's Dr Martens League Cup, and cup ties are now on a single leg basis - a date for the Erith & Belvedere match is to be confirmed.

Joining City for pre-season training and with a view to signing for the club is Chris Stevens, 20, who scored 40 goals in 40 games for Dagenham & Redbridge Reserves last season.

"He obviously knows where the net is, with 40 goals last season so he will join us when training starts on July 10 and be involved with the pre-season friendlies," Bellamy added.

Dagenham based, Stevens may well be the new striker the City boss is looking to add to his squad following the departure of Ian Cambridge.

Wearing his community coaching hat, Gary Bellamy and his City squad have been invited by Anglia University to organise and run all their football activities this season.

This means that City now run all the football coaching for the three colleges in the town.

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