BLACKBURN Rovers are hoping to announce a new kit deal early in the New Year - and that might well signal a change from their present suppliers ASICS.

Millions of pounds are at stake for Premiership clubs in their dealings with kit manufacturers and Ewood chief executive John Williams confirmed today that months of negotiations and hard work were about to come to fruition.

But he would not comment on whether there would be a change.

The club's present four-year with ASICS is due to expire at the end of the season.

And, as well as their present suppliers, other companies are believed to be trying to clinch a deal.

I understand they include Uhlsport, the company who are long-time sponsors of goalkeeper Tim Flowers.

The ASICS contract was agreed before the club won the championship in 1995, and it is only reasonable to assume Rovers have a higher profile for kit suppliers now than then.

Since Roy Hodgson's arrival at Ewood, they have also re-emerged as a force in the Premiership, challenging Manchester United for the title, and with genuine hopes of claiming a European place at the end of this season.

All these factors are vital when it comes to signing new kit contracts.

For the replica shirts business is one of the most lucrative spin-offs in sport.

Mr Williams would not commit himself other than to confirm that the club were hoping to make an announcement in the near future. "This is one of the things we have looked at very closely since I came to the club in summer, bearing in mind that our present contract is up at the end of the season," he said.

"We have been considering all our options and we have done it in an honourable manner.

"The only thing I can really say at the moment is that we hope to make an announcement soon."

Rovers have not been in the habit of chopping and changing sponsors and Mr Williams said that these deals were a mixture of loyalty and choosing the right options for the club.

But, after four years, there is bound to be competition for the kit franchise and Rovers must exploit that to its financial maximum, providing they also know they can work with the company involved.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace boss Steve Coppell believes Rovers are capable of providing the strongest opposition to Manchester United in the title chase - thanks largely to the presence of Kevin Gallacher.

"Blackburn are a realistic possibility given the quality and depth of their squad," he said. "You can say they more than anyone else have the best chance of pushing United all the way to the wire. Blackburn can play badly and still pick up points, which is a good sign.

"When games come thick and fast, that's when surprise results like United's defeat at Coventry happen.

"With all the internationals and European Cup matches coming up, that's the only way I can see Manchester United losing it."

"I think Blackburn's catalyst has been Kevin Gallacher.

"Chris Sutton's obviously a top-quality striker, but Gallacher drops off so well and I feel he's the one who makes things happen.

"We tried to go tight on him, but given the quality of his play he still got strikes on goal and scored."

Rovers are offering a special promotion for Saturday's FA Cup third round tie against Wigan Athletic, with fans who buy one adult ticket for the Walkersteel Stand able to obtain a child ticket free - subject to availability.

It is a category B game, with prices £16-20, concessions where applicable in other areas £10.

The ticket office will be open from 9am-3pm tomorrow, closes on New Year's Day and is open normal hours after that.

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