Southend United have announced a double shirt sponsorship deal which will boost the Third Division club's empty coffers by a desperately needed six-figure sum.

Blues revealed they will have two separate backers this term, with software and services supplier Rebus claiming the home kit and Welsh firm Wyndham Plastics taking the away strip.

Rebus have signed up for two years as main club sponsors and are believed to be ploughing £100,000 a season into the Shrimpers.

And Wyndham, who have committed themselves for 12 months, will invest another five-figure amount into the Seasiders.

Southend chairman John Main, pleased to have lined-up what is a very lucrative sponsorship package for a basement league club, said: "We are delighted to have both of these companies on board.

"This is a major sponsorship agreement for Southend and is a major boost for the club and our supporters.

"Rebus are a worldwide company and we are proud to have them as our main sponsor for the next two seasons. I'm sure we'll work well together.

"As for Wyndham, they are based in Mid Glamorgan and run by Steve Clarke, who is a lifelong supporter of the club.

"It is encouraging that businesses not only within the area, but outside the Essex catchment are pledging their support to Southend United. We look forward to having a close partnership."

Rebus, who were formed in Southend and still have a Victoria Avenue base, provide their services to more than 40 countries worldwide and had an annual turnover of £104million last year.

And their managing director Shaun Gray, a self-confessed Portsmouth fan, was looking forward to a healthy relationship with Blues.

"Our company was formed in Southend some 20-years ago and we still employ more than 300 people in the town, many of whom support the club," he said.

"By signing this deal we are going back to our roots and it is nice for Rebus to be able to put something back into the community.

"We want nothing more than success for Southend United and I hope we can help them to achieve it."

It was also confirmed that Rebus' initial six-figure sponsorship commitment, could increase even further, depending on the success of Blues' first-team.

Rebus' project director Mick Maddocks said: "The sponsorship is incentive based and their could be further financial rewards for the football club if they have a good season.

"If Blues make the top seven this year there is an added bonus in the contract and I hope that they earn it."

Finally, the Shrimpers' commercial manager Dave Comley, who has been instrumental in clinching both deals, paid tribute to Southend's outgoing main sponsors Progressive Printing (UK) Ltd.

"I'm sure everybody would like to thank Progressive for their backing over the last couple of years," he added.

Quids in - Southend United chairman John main (left) with Rebus director Mick Maddocks and managing director Shaun Gray (right) at Thursday night's sponsorship launch

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

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