With the new county cricket season only a month away Essex has been rocked by news that their major sponsor is pulling out later this summer at the end of their three-year, deal worth annually between £80,000 and £100,000 for the club.

It's a big blow to the county club who having just signed England fast bowler Darren Gough in a bid to improve their fortunes on the field and regain their premier division place after being relegated last season.

But in a letter, leaked to the Chronicle, and sent to the club's chief executive David East last week, the sponsor, Panacea Services, blame a lack of support from inside the club at the top for their decision.

The City-based IT services provider, run by Chelmsford-based chairman and staunch cricket supporter Peter Stroud, claim that they do not feel their financial involvement has been managed correctly and the club never took their views seriously when given.

Another reason cites the lack of direct support from the county club in providing interaction with the county's players for a number of Panacea's corporate hospitality events, leaving the company to do the job of contacting players directly for the involvement.

In the letter Mr Stroud said: "We have supported the club above and beyond our original sponsorship agreement but this was never reciprocated."

The company, who were also shirt sponsors last year, feel that they have been ignored and "not treated in a serious business-like manner.

Panacea has also given additional backing for the county's cricket initiatives includedpart-funding of the pre-season tour to South Africa in 2003, sponsoring the Indoor Junior Leagueand part-paid for Will Jefferson's trip to Australia this winter

Commenting on the loss of a hugely significant sponsor, Essex CCC commercial manager Peter Motion said: "I won't make any comments at this time, mainly because we now have a meeting with the company booked for March 16 and so I think we will be in a better position to say something after then."

Published Friday March 5, 2004

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