TRANMERE Rovers is to continue being sponsored by Wirral Council for the next two seasons under a deal approved by the local authority’s cabinet.

However the League One team will face reduced payments if it is relegated – but could see extra cash if it achieves promotion.

Last night deputy leader of Wirral Council and Birkenhead, councillor Phil Davies, said Tranmere Rovers is “a fantastic club and attraction for Wirral”.

He added: “We are really pleased to continue sponsorship, and all the evidence I have seen is that having Wirral on their shirts brings us great coverage.”

The new agreement, which will run for two years from July 31, will be increased “to take account of inflation”.

The sponsorship deal dates back around 20 years but details of the latest agreement have been kept under wraps after being discussed by the authority behind closed doors.

The Labour and Lib-Dem run cabinet agreed that “the principle of increased or reduced payments, in the event of promotion or relegation, be accepted and that revised payments be negotiated and agreed if and when this occurs”.

Last year the Liverpool branch of Allied Irish Bank celebrated its 30-year association with Tranmere Rovers with a new sponsorship and advertising deal.

The bank agreed to sponsor a range of matches at Prenton Park and put its name on pitchside advertising.

Earlier this year Lorraine Rogers, who has been the club’s chairman for nine years, said the club’s owners were open to offers for Tranmere and would sell to a credible buyer.

Rogers owns 30% of the club while Wirral business man Peter Johnson holds 60%, with hundreds of small shareholders owning the balance.

Rogers said: “I see it as part of my role as chairman to make sure we have the maximum funds as we can to be as competitive as possible. It is my duty to be on the look-out for investors.

“So far there hasn’t been one that fits, but I would not rule it out. If we found the right party, I would have no problem in stepping aside.”

Meanwhile Tranmere have announced a new ticket initiative for a number of their pre-season games.

Juniors (aged 16 and under) who buy a ticket for the match against Liverpool on July 12 will be entitled to admission to Tranmere’s first home game of the season against Hartlepool United on Saturday, August 16 for only £1.

And ticket prices for the pre-season friendlies against Bolton and Blackpool have been reduced.

ŠAdult admission is just £7 with concessions (Seniors, Young Persons and Juniors) only £3 for the visit of Bolton on Tuesday, July 29 (7.45pm) and Blackpool on Saturday, August 2 (3.00pm).

DETAILS

Suite admission prices are as follows:

Tranmere Suite: Adults (including Seniors and Young persons) £12, Juniors £6

Vice Presidents Suite: Adults £15, Juniors £7.50

Dixie Dean Suite: Adults £18, Juniors £9

Admission is cash on the turnstiles for all areas except the Main Stand and suites.

Tickets are on sale from the Ticket Office.

Ticket Office opening hours: Monday-Friday 9.30am- 5.00pm.