VIRGIN Media have extended their deal with Saints – but will no longer be the shirt’s main sponsor.

Saints are yet to announce who will become the club’s main shirt sponsor, although the Daily Echo previously reported they were in a dilemma over the prospect of having a betting company on their kit.

The internet, telephone and TV providers will remain involved with the south coast club and will instead have their logo on the sleeves of the first team’s kit.

Virgin Media’s new deal, which will last until the end of the 2021/22 season, sees them become the first-ever sponsor of the women’s side.

This marks a great step forward for the women’s team, who have just finished their second campaign with a perfect record under Marieanne Spacey-Cale’s management.

As part of Virgin Media’s agreement, they will continue their ‘Super Saints’ initiative that has seen a number of competitions and exclusive content.

Their logo will also be appearing on the sleeves of the Under-18 and Under-23 men’s side.

David Thomas, Commercial Director at Saints, said: “Over the past three years Virgin Media have consistently demonstrated a desire to challenge the conventions of traditional sports sponsorship by supporting our first team and rewarding our fans in new, exciting and innovative ways.

“As such, they are true partners of the club and we’re delighted to be extending our relationship for a further three years and expanding their support with more of our teams.”

Spacey-Cale, Saints’ Head of Girls’ and Women’s Football, commented: “It’s fantastic that such a prestigious brand as Virgin Media has decided to make this commitment to the Women’s team.

“To have their support on this exciting journey of ours is wonderful and, after a successful season, we look forward to taking on the 2019/20 campaign with them proudly being displayed on the front of our match shirts.”

Virgin Media have been the club's main sponsor since the beginning of the 2016/17 campaign.