Blackburn Rovers will have a new name on the front of their shirts next season after announcing a new kit sponsorship deal with AMD.

Ewood officials today unveiled the processor manufacturers as their shirt sponsors to coincide with the launch of their new home and away strips ahead of the forthcoming campaign.

But the deal will not spell the end of Rovers' successful association with computer giants Time who will continue in their on-going role as overall club sponsor.

AMD, a major international force in the computer industry, is a key business partner of the Time Group.

And Rovers chief executive John Williams is delighted to welcome them on board after securing a one-year deal with the firm.

"It is always encouraging to see major firms putting their weight behind the club," said Williams.

"AMD is an exciting and innovative company and we are delighted to welcome them on board, whilst continuing our excellent relationship with the Time Group."

Robert Stead, European marketing director of AMD, has also hailed the deal as a major coup for his company.

"Blackburn Rovers had a fantastic season in 2001-2002 and we are proud that their players and fans will be sporting the AMD name on the famous shirts next season," said Stead.

Although the new deal spells the end of Time's shirt sponsorship after two successful years, the Simonstone-based computer giants will still remain heavily involved at Ewood over the next 12 months, however.

"We have achieved our goals off the pitch while Rovers have been scoring them on it," said Colin Middlemiss, a spokesman for the Time Group.

"Sponsoring the club has been a great success for the Time Group and we are proud to continue that relationship.

"We wish the new shirt partnership of AMD and Rovers the best of luck for the forthcoming season."

Once again, the shirts are exclusively designed by Italian sportswear giants Kappa, whose UK headquarters is situated at Ewood Park.

Developed in Turin, they feature several design innovations seen in the Italian World Cup 2002 jersey.

Simon Johnson, sales director of Kappa GB, explained: "Although the new shirt has the style of the Italian jersey, with unique neckline, overstitch detail and red piping, our designers have taken into account the input from Rovers' fans and the shirt will not be made in the fitted style worn by the Italians.

"The sponsorship deal between Kappa and Rovers has coincided with the last two very successful seasons, we look forward to seeing the club collect more honours in the new kit for next season."

Details regarding the availability of the new shirts are expected to be announced shortly to coincide with the official launch.

Meanwhile, Rovers have played down talk of a move for Inter Milan striker Bernardo Corradi.

Manager Graeme Souness was recently contacted by agents who were trying to tout the 26-year-old around the Premiership following his successful loan spell with Chievo.

However, Inter Milan boss Hector Cuper immediately recalled the player at the end of the season with a view to using him as cover for Christian Vieri next term.