West Ham United Land Shirt Sponsor

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EPL:Dean Ashton and Matthew Etherington, West Ham United v Wigan Athletic (PA)

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Some of you may have been wondering over the past few months why the 'XL Holidays' logo that used to adorn the front of West Ham United's kit was replaced by a rather tacky-looking squad number.

The reason is that the company, which specialised in budget trips, folded earlier this year, leaving the Hammers without a shirt sponsor - and, even worse, without the funding that such a deal provides.

When XL collapsed in September they were only halfway through their three-year, £7.5 million contract with the Upton Park club, who were by then already feeling the effects of the credit crunch.

But help has arrived, as the Daily Mail reports that the Irons have at last wrapped up a deal with SBOBET, the Asian-based online bookmaking firm.

"This is a great deal for West Ham United and I am looking forward to a successful partnership with SBOBET," said Scott Duxburry, the West Ham chief executive.

"Finding a new shirt sponsor usually takes up to six months but a lot of effort and hard work has gone into this process.

"I would also like to thank the fans for their understanding and patience during this time."

It is unclear exactly how much the 18-month deal is worth, but it was reported that a figure in the region of £2 million was being discussed when negotiations kicked off last month.

A bonus for Hammers fans is that they will be able to update their 2008-09 XL shirts free of charge. Details are to be posted on the club's official website.

Cecil Braun, Goal.com