Gillingham Football Club has revealed its new sponsor is Medway Council.

The league one team parted ways with its former MEMS earlier in the year.

As part of the sponsorship, the stadium will be known as The Medway Priestfield Stadium and the home and training shirts will carry the Medway Council logo.

The council is not commenting on the price tag on the deal but leader of the council, Alan Jarrett, has said this partnership will not affect tax payers.

Local people will also benefit from the deal by offering tickets to people it supports, including looked after children.

In exchange the club will be able to use the council's park and recreation grounds for the Gills’ youth, ladies and teams for those with a disability for their training.

Cllr Jarrett, said: “Gillingham Football Club has given Medway so much over the years, including developing sporting excellence, providing hundreds of jobs and supporting school children through their development and education programmes.

“I am delighted that we have made our support for the club official by becoming main sponsors for the 2018/19 season.

“This is a partnership that will benefit the Medway community but place no burden on the Medway council tax payer.

“The community sits at the heart of this new partnership and I am delighted that we will be able to donate tickets to local people who might not otherwise get the opportunity of watching the club play.”

Chairman of Gillingham Football Club, Paul Scally, said: “It is with great enthusiasm and pride that we welcome Medway Council as the club’s main sponsor for the coming season.

“Priestfield Stadium will be known as The Medway Priestfield Stadium and our home shirts and training wear will carry the Medway Council logo, in this, our 125th year.

“Our teams will wear a replica of the shirts worn by our predecessors all those years ago for all away fixtures, in celebration of our long history.

“This further relationship with Medway Council fits extremely well for all parties and in the spirit of cooperation I believe our local people, sponsors and supporters will witness even more initiatives of mutual benefit in the year ahead.”

This year marks the council’s 20th anniversary and Gillingham Football Club’s 125th, and both are celebrating with the deal.