SALISBURY City have received a massive boost after long time sponsors In-Excess confirmed it is to renew their shirt sponsorship contract with the Blue Square Premier club.

The Salisbury firm, who now boast five branches across the region, have been supporters of the Whites for almost a decade, first sponsoring the club's shirts in 2000.

The company’s managing director, Carl Chambers, said that he is delighted to extend its sponsorship deal and that he is looking forward to watching the club continue in the top flight of the non-league game.

The contract extension means their now familiar logo will again be displayed on all shirts and shorts worn by the first team, reserves and youth team.

Whites’ general manager Nick Holmes welcomed the deal, describing it as ‘great news for the club.’ “Carl and In-Excess have been terrific supporters of ours for a long time now and have been there through the good times and bad with us.

“They were already on board when I came along and have shared in our success as we rose through the divisions.

“I know they’re great supporters of the local community and we’re proud to have been associated with them for so long.

“On behalf of everyone at the club I’d like to thank Carl and his team for their continued support and look forward to working with them closely in the future.

“The news has come at just the right time as we prepare for our third season in the Blue Square Premier.”

The deal is also a vote of confidence for the cash-strapped club, which remains up for sale.

“There’s still lots of activity going on behind the scenes,” added Holmes. “Everyone is working together to try and get things sorted out. Hopefully there will be some more good news in the near future.

“In the meantime, we’re all very much looking forward to the start of the new season.

“Our pre-season games have gone very well indeed and Tommy (Widdrington) is doing a great job with the players as we’ve seen from their performances in our friendlies at home against Bournemouth, Saints and Exeter City.”

The Whites kick off the 2009/10 campaign on Saturday, August 8 away at Rushden & Diamonds.