ALTRINCHAM have taken another giant stride forward in their quest for continual progress on and off the pitch after agreeing a main shirt sponsorship deal with online retail market leaders AO.

The most eagerly-awaited season for decades, potentially an historic one, is on the horizon, and Alty will go into it sporting a brand-new kit bearing a brand new name after the launch of an exciting partnership that has been formed with a view to the long term.

AO, Bolton-based but nationally renowned as the UK’s most trusted electricals retailer, are taking over from J.Davidson as main shirt sponsors as the Robins gear up for another tilt at a first-ever promotion to the Football League after coming so close last season.

An outstanding fourth-place finish in the Vanarama National League was followed by defeat at eventual winners Bromley in the play-off semi-finals, and there is a growing sense of optimism that Phil Parkinson's side can go one better, with AO now on board and providing substantial backing and J.Davidson pledging their continued support as stadium sponsors.

Listed on the Stock Exchange after rapidly expanding their distribution network and sales, Alty's latest backers are now an instantly recognisable and highly visible presence up and down the country, with their bright green vans bearing the logo "AO Let's go!".

Vicky Monk, Group Marketing Director at AO, said: “We’re delighted to join forces with Altrincham at such an exciting time in their history. 

“The club have gone from strength to strength in recent years, moving up two divisions and becoming a full-time professional club, and we’re proud to support the next steps of their journey.”

“This sponsorship underpins our commitment to supporting local sports and connecting with people across the region. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this partnership will have, both on the pitch and within the community.”

Our newest sponsors join a select group of leading companies who are helping keep the Alty success story on an upward curve by enlisting as partners, and they were welcomed to The J.Davidson Stadium by the club's chief executive Sam Mackenzie, who said: "We are delighted to be forming a new relationship with such a vibrant, thriving company as AO, who are very much aligned with us in terms of values and outlook.

"The longevity and commitment from both sides in this partnership will mirror the successful ongoing relationship we have with J.Davidson. We recognise and acknowledge the invaluable contribution J.Davidson have made and continue to make to the club, and we value it greatly.

"With that in mind, it wasn't altogether straightforward making the decision to change, and I want to thank J.Davidson for their understanding and the continued commitment they are making to both the club and the community.

"There can be no doubting, though, that this is a significant development for the club, a positive and exciting one, in particular for the activation and outreach it will bring. We are earmarking three games where AO will have a big presence in the stadium and will add value to our match day experience. We want to engage our fans of all ages, and this will help us in that respect.

"We are talking about a national brand with a great presence throughout the country, and that is definitely something we will benefit from as we grow and develop our own brand. As an organisation, the people culture they have is something I admire, and their leadership team have been wonderful to deal with and work alongside.

"I am very much looking forward to working with the team at AO and growing a long-standing relationship. This deal elevates us and shows how, as a club, we have an eye on tomorrow while still taking the very best of yesterday along with us too.

"I thank them for their support and contribution and look forward to their mascot bear meeting up with our very own Rocky Robin - my competitive nature tells me it would be great to arrange a race between them at half-time in one of our games at The J.Davidson Stadium!"