AVELEY FC are looking for a new shirt sponsor after a last-minute hitch with a bus company deal.

On the eve of yesterday's (Saturday, 8 August) opening Isthmian Premier fixture with Eastbourne Borough, Millers announced that the Purfleet-based Ensign Bus company had withdrawn from their planned shirt sponsorship.

A statement from the club said: "It's with deep regret that we announce our main shirt sponsor has withdrawn its sponsorship on the eve of the season.

"We have heard, on the eve of the opening day of the season, that our main shirt sponsor Ensignbus is no longer continuing its sponsorship agreement with us.

"This is extremely frustrating given our centenary shirts have their name emblazoned upon them, as we embark on our celebration year for the club."

Ensignbus, which was formerly entirely locally-owned and run before being bought out by First Bus three years ago, have previously been club sponsors..

Chairman Craig Johnson said: "We had a verbal agreement to continue the partnership for our centenary season, but due to a change of leadership at Ensignbus, and our best efforts to negotiate a deal to maintain our great working relationship with them over the past two years, they have decided to pull the plug at the last minute.

"I feel personally let down, and literally "taken for a ride" over the past two weeks where it appeared to be OK.

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"Now we have been hung out to dry. Interested parties for the front of shirt sponsorship of our centenary shirt should contact me on 07946 438540."