ANOTHER piece in the jigsaw which Dover Athletic hope will signal the start of their rise up the non-league pyramid was put in place with the signing of a major new sponsorship deal.

SeaFrance Dover-Calais ferries will be the Whites' new main sponsors for the 2007-2008 season after a greeing a five-figure deal.

Dover director Roger Knight has expressed his excitement at the tie-up with such a high-profile company.

He said: "Over the past few years I have discussed with SeaFrance the possibility of sponsorship, and the fact they have finally agreed terms to become our main sponsor is a massive boost for the club."

Sarah Staughton, SeaFrance's head of marketing, said: "We are very excited. SeaFrance wants to work more closely with the Dover community and help the club to regain its position back in the Conference in a few years' time.

"With Andy Hessenthaler and Darren Hare now working at the club we can see great potential for the future."

Crabble will now be known as SeaFrance Crabble Stadium.

* Keep up to date with all the news from Crabble every week in the Dover Mercury.