Altrincham FC’s finances have been given a significant boost after they landed a ‘substantial’ new shirt and stadium sponsorship deal with scrap metal specialists J.Davidson.

In a timely announcement, on the eve of Sunday’s opening pre-season friendly at Widnes, Alty chairman Grahame Rowley revealed the Broadheath-based company had pledged their support for the next two years on terms that will help keep the club on a sound financial footing.

For their part, Alty will again wear J.Davidson on the front of their shirts, and one of non-League football’s best-known venues will continue to be known as The J.Davidson Stadium.

With a progressive-looking Alty board eager to forge ever-closer links with the local community, the hunt is on for more prospective partners to help make it happen.

“It’s great news that we have been able to reach an agreement with J.Davidson and extend a long-standing relationship that is clearly beneficial to both parties,” said Rowley. “It is for a substantial amount, and I’m delighted we can look forward to another two years together.”

“Now, the hope is that others might follow their lead and help us achieve our aims, on and off the pitch. We are right in the middle of the local community and are actively looking to do even more to involve people with the club.

“More fun weeks for kids and a new disabled football team are just two of the many projects we are working on, but these things need funding. We can’t continue expanding activities without the help and support of local companies.

“J.Davidson, Smart Storage, Manchester Glass and Mornflake are all major sponsors, with many other local businesses also backing us, but there’s always room for more to come on board and help shape an exciting and rewarding future for the club.”

Luke Davidson, son of J.Davidson owner Jamie, was in no doubt a partnership with Alty represented value for money.

“It is a big commitment for us, one of our biggest, but we are delighted to have extended it,’ he said. ‘We take everything into account before making a decision like this, and it’s clear we get plenty out of it, in terms of getting our name out there and generating extra business.

“We have certainly found it worthwhile, and I’m sure others would. It raises your profile, and as an Altrincham company, run by a family who are all from the town, it’s great to see the club doing so much for the community.

“We managed to get to a few games last season, and even when we couldn’t, we’d all be on our computers, laptops, phones, or whatever, checking the score. The club means a lot to us.”