Whitstable Town vice-chairman Joe Brownett has hailed the announcement of a new sponsorship deal with Kent Reliance Building Society as a “new dawn” for the Ryman League, Division 1 South club.

The Belmont stalwart has supported Town for 20 years through the family business D&J Tyres but believes this is a major step forward for the club and the town.

He said: “We have some loyal people here but we have now got professional people on board, with new ideas and it’s great news.

“We have one or two false dawns in the past and found it difficult to attract backing, which I think most clubs do.

“There are not hundreds of people out there who want to sponsor sport in a big way. We have kept things going and I have been proud to do it

“Now we have a company who is interested in the future of the club and having their name behind us.

“With all the other things that are planned, Whitstable Town can only go only one way and that’s up.”

The deal is initially for two years but KRBS Group Deputy Chief Executive Rob Procter hopes it will be a long-term association.

Leeds United supporter Mr Proctor, who has lived in the area for 25 years, praised the club for the part they play in the local community and says it’s the ideal thing to be associated with at local level, even in the days of “credit-crunch” and recession.

He said: “Building societies are doing well because we didn’t put money in Iceland banks and sub-prime in America and stuck with what we know, which is exactly what Whitstable Town do.

“We are thriving and want to look after local businesses and local people, in what is undoubtedly going to be a difficult two years.

Club manager Marc Seager said: “I am pleased for everybody connected with the club especially Joe because I am sure it will be a weight off his shoulders.”