BOILER-MAKER Baxi have decided to end their shirt sponsortship deal with

Preston North End.

The Bamber Bridge-based firm's decision comes less than two months after

their boss, Bryan Gray, stood down after seven years as North End's

chairman.

Today, North End revealed they already have several new possible sponsors

lined up.

Baxi managing director Alan Hannah said: "We have had a long and hard look

at the situation and decided that our support for PNE would be better

directed at other areas in the future.

"It has been a succesful partnertship for Baxi and PNE over a seven year

period and we have benefited to the maximum possible from the arrangement.

"The deal has helped Baxi become a household name.

"I believe it is now time for Baxi to look in other directions."

The comments will do nothing to reassure fans concerned about the future of

North End. Under the stewardship of Gray, they have climbed from the

foothills of Division Three to being within touching distance of prized

promotion to the Premiership.

PNE chief exeuctive Tony Scholes said: "We have been in discussion with

Baxi for several months, where they considered their shirt sponsorship

options.

"I am delighted they will continue to support PNE through other avenues.

"This will give us a fantastic opportunity to seek a new partner as a shirt

sponsor, to maximise any deal.

"We now have a much higher profile, thanks to our league position, media

interest and so on.

"I would like to thank Baxi for their support, a view which I am sure is

supported by the fans.

"We are now looking to the future and already have a new of partners

showing an interest.

"Announcements will be made in due course."