Blackburn Rovers today announced a major new sponsorship deal for the next two seasons.

HSA, one of the UK's leading health plan providers, will be the name on the front of the blue and white shirts at Ewood Park in 2003-04 and the following year.

The company has signed a two-season partnership with the club, which chief executive John WiIliams has described as "an exciting deal".

The amount the sponsorship is worth has not yet been revealed but it won't mean an increased transfer budget for manager Graeme Souness.

Williams said: "From a financial point of view, it's going to have an impact on the income of the club but not a material effect on the playing budget."

HSA will take over from AMD, the computer firm that sponsored Rovers last year for one season.

Williams added: "I want to take this opportunity to thank both Time and AMD, who we have had as our sponsors for the last three years.

"But we are going forward with HSA in an exciting deal and we hope to have a successful relationship."

A new sponsor won't mean a new kit as the current design for the home strip is entering the second year of a two-year cycle.

However, details are still to be confirmed on the new away shirt.

Chris Harrison, HSA's marketing and sales director, said: "I am delighted that HSA has entered into this partnership with Blackburn Rovers Football Club at such an exciting time for them."