Bescot is now Banks's

The club held a press conference this morning to confirm news of its biggest ever sponsorship deal and its first ever stadium sponsorship.

It means the Saddlers' home, which has been called The Bescot Stadium since it opened in 1990, has a new name from today.

The huge sponsorship deal, which was revealed by the Express & Star last month, follows 11 years of various sponsorship at the club by Banks's including several years as the main shirt sponsors.

Peter Jackson, marketing director with Banks's parent company Marston's said: "We are delighted to continue our long -running sponsorship with the Saddlers.

"Banks's beers are an institution in the West Midlands as is Walsall FC with their iconic stadium in the heart of the region.

"We look forward to celebrating more success in League One next season."

Bank's will also become sponsors of Walsall's new training ground in Broad Lane, Essington, from July.

Work has already begun on renovating the Broad Lane site and Walsall hope to be training there by the autumn.

Walsall chief executive Roy Whalley said: "Walsall Football Club and Bank's have an excellent working relationship. "Banks's are synonymous with the area and we are proud to carry their name in this unique and high profile manner."

Walsall have been linked with Banks's for more than a decade since the company struck a deal to supply beer to all licensed premises on the Bescot site.

That now includes the stadium, The Saddlers Club and the new Ramada Hotel.

The company estimates that more than 400,000 pints of beer have been drunk on the site in the last 11 years.

The new deal is certain to draw criticism from a section of traditionalists among the fan base.

It follows the loss of traditional names on the Gilbert Alsop Stand and the H L Fellows Stand to make way for the sponsors.

But it is set to bring in massive new funds for the club which has followed the example of many clubs across the country in selling the naming rights to the stadium.