Northern Rock will remain Newcastle United football club’s main sponsor for the next four years.

Nationalised bank Northern Rock has finalised a new four-year sponsorship deal with Newcastle United football club, worth up to £10 million.

The bank, which is based in Newcastle, has today (18 January) confirmed that it will remain as the main sponsor for Newcastle United for the start of the 2010/11 football season until 2013/14.

Northern Rock was one of the first major casualties of the financial crisis and was taken into public ownership in 2008. It has been Newcastle United’s shirt sponsor since 2004.

According to the bank, the total sponsorship will vary from £1.5m to a maximum of £10m. The maximum value of the contract would only be realised if Newcastle United plays in the Premier League for the entire four-year period.

Gary Hoffman, Chief Executive of Northern Rock, was pleased with the deal and said that it represented an important community link.

He added: “Brand awareness and promotion are important elements in the continuing development of the Company.

“However, we remain mindful of our responsibilities under Government ownership and only consider those advertising and promotion channels that deliver a high return on investment and good strategic fit.”

Derek Llambias, Managing Director of Newcastle United, commented: “Newcastle United’s aim is to return to the Premier League next season and we believe that collaboration will help both companies achieve our respective goals in the local, national and international marketplace.”