PRESTON North End have confirmed that sponsors BAXI will not renew their shirt deal which is due to expire at end of this season.

The first division club, who face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane tomorrow, will be looking for a new deal and North End's chief executive Tony Scholes said: "We have been in discussions with BAXI for several months, where they considered their shirt sponsorship options.

"I am delighted that they will continue to support PNE through other avenues. "In the meantime it gives us a fantastic opportunity to seek a new partner as shirt sponsor, to maximise any deal.

"We now have a much higher profile, due to our league position and increased media coverage particularly through live TV and the internet.

"I would also like to thank BAXI for their support over the years.

"We are now looking to the future and have already had a number of potential partners show an interest. The club must now look at all the options and announcements will be made in due course."

BAXI Managing Director Alan Hannah said on Thursday morning: "We have looked long and hard at the situation and decided that our support for PNE would be better directed in other areas in the future.

"It has been a very successful partnership for BAXI and Preston North End over a seven year period and we have both benefited to the maximum possible from this arrangement.

"The deal has helped BAXI become a household name. I believe it is now time for BAXI to look in other directions. "