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New sponsor may earn right to build stadium

8/ 7/2005

A WALKDEN company could help to construct Salford Reds' new stadium after signing a stand sponsorship deal.

Austin Trumanns Steel have agreed to sponsor the Main Stand at the Willows with a view to extending the contract for one of the stands at the City of Salford Stadium when the Reds move there in 2007, and they have been encouraged to bid for the tender to supply materials.

Reds chairman John Wilkinson says he hopes the company from his home town will apply to provide the steel for the new stadium at Barton.

Mr Wilkinson said: "We've said all along we hope that the stadium will be built and constructed by the people of Salford because it is their stadium and belongs to the city.

"It's great to have an old, established and local company on board at the Willows with a view to carrying on their association with us when we move to Barton.

"If they stay with us they will be founder sponsors and will be given a chance to tender for the contract to provide the steel in the new stadium.

"We will give priority on sponsorship at the City of Salford Stadium to those companies we are currently working with and who have loyally supported us at the Willows."

Mr Wilkinson celebrated the deal with Barry Gregory from Austin Trumanns and the Reds' new signing Andy Smith. Mr Gregory said: "We are delighted to be associated with Salford City Reds through this partnership and wish them every success both on and off the field, particularly plans for the new stadium."