By Luke Cawdell

Chairman Paul Scally says Gillingham’s new sponsorship deal will rival those of many clubs in the lower divisions.

Mr Scally, pictured, described the investment being made by Newcastle-based vending company Automatic Retailing as "substantial" after they stepped in to replace Kent Reliance Building Society (krbs).

The new sponsors have agreed an initial one-year deal and Mr Scally said: "We parted company with krbs amicably some weeks back and we are very pleased that Automatic Retailing were prepared to stand in at short notice.

"I think (the sponsorship deal) can be seen as substantial in League 1 as well (as League 2) and I’m very pleased."

On May 3, Gills announced they would be renewing their deal with krbs for a further year, but five days later they were relegated from League 1 and Mr Scally conceded the club were "less attractive" in League 2.

"We felt it best that we looked elsewhere and an opportunity came up," said Mr Scally.

Next season’s transfer budget won’t, however, be altered in light of the arrival of new sponsors and Mr Scally already feels the squad is strong enough to compete – although he is negotiating with several possible new signings.

"I think we have the players capable of getting us out of this division already here," he said. "We have two or three other players we are talking to who we are hopeful we can bring to the club in the next week or so."

Picture: Barry Goodwin

Are you pleased with Gillingham's new sponsorship deal? Have your say in our comments section below.