THE West Stand at Ipswich Town’s Portman Road ground has been officially renamed after the club signed a lucrative deal with the East of England Co-operative Society.

Chief executive Simon Clegg today announced that the club have signed a deal with the local company for a “six-figure sum” which will see the Britannia Stand renamed the East of England Co-operative Stand.

The Blues have agreed a three-year deal, potentially rising to five years, and Clegg said he was delighted with the new partnership.

He said: “This is a very exciting development for the football club. It is an initial three-year deal but it could extend to five years and involves a six-figure sum.

“Within that deal will be the renaming of the West Stand as the East of England Co-operative Stand. In challenging economic times like we are in at the moment, it is very easy for companies to whittle out sponsorship and marketing budgets.

“It is a huge pleasure for me to announce this partnership with such a strong brand locally. Every club is facing challenges in terms of financial fair play and being able to announce a partnership like this is very exciting.”

The East of England Co-operative is the largest independent retailer in East Anglia – and one of the biggest in the UK – and has over 200 trading outlets around the local region.

Roger Grosvenor, executive officer – retail at the East of England Co-operative Society, said: “This is two large brands in East Anglia coming together and we are delighted.

“Ipswich Town Football Club is more than just a football and the East of England Co-op is more than just a retailer. We are committed to the community we serve and we look forward to a successful season.

“These opportunities don’t come up very often and we seized it with both hands.”

- See tomorrow’s Ipswich Star and EADT for a full report on chief executive Simon Clegg’s thoughts on the deal and what effect – if any – this will have on Paul Jewell’s playing budget.