VIRGIN Money stamped its new North-East credentials on the region last night with its name replacing Northern Rock on the front of Newcastle United’s shirts.

The branding was unveiled as the team took on Manchester United at St James’ Park.

Sir Richard Branson’s banking venture completed its £747m purchase of Newcastle- based Northern Rock from the Government on Sunday.

Last night, Virgin Money confirmed a deal to sponsor Newcastle until the 2014-15 season.

Virgin Money chief executive Jayne-Anne Gadhia said: “Now that Virgin Money and Northern Rock are united as one business, it gives us great pleasure to continue the shirt sponsorship of Newcastle.

“The Northern Rock sponsorship started in 2003 and it is an important link to the North-East, which we are pleased to continue.

“Combined with our sponsorship of the London Marathon and the Edinburgh Festival ‘Fringe on the High Street’, the shirt sponsorship of Newcastle United Football Club embeds our involvement in the communities we serve.”

Newcastle’s managing director, Derek Llambias, said: “We’re delighted to secure this new deal with Virgin Money.”

With the Northern Rock name still on the firm’s website and the intention to phase it out gradually, Virgin originally indicated that there were no imminent plans to change the sponsorship on players’ shirts after eight years.

Ms Gadhia said on Tuesday afternoon: “It will still be Northern Rock on the shirt as usual.”

However it is understood that developments later that evening led to a change of heart. Virgin Money has moved its headquarters to Northern Rock’s Gosforth base, where about 2,000 staff are employed.

With the change coming mid-season and the fact some fans will have received replica strips for Christmas, Virgin Money last night said the first 10,000 supporters with 2011-12 season shirts who take them to Newcastle United’s club shop will receive a free update to the Virgin Money shirt.

Ms Gadhia said: “Availability of this new branding will be posted on the club website, but is expected at the end of the week.”

Ben McKeown, 34, of Darlington, who was at last night’s game, said: “I will go for anything as long as it isn’t Sports Direct. I secretly bought a Newcastle shirt for Christmas for my two-yearold daughter, Orla. Her mother is a Sunderland fan, she doesn’t know she has got the shirt anyway and she would not let me change the name on it if she did.”

Michael Webber, 49, also from Darlington, said: “I am little bit too old to have the word Virgin across my chest, but it is money we need and I think it is a good marketing move to offer the 10,000 shirts.