SUNDERLAND have announced the Great Annual Savings Group as their new principal sponsor for the next two seasons.

The agreement, which will run to the end of the 2021-22 season, will see the Great Annual Savings (GAS) name displayed on the front of Sunderland's home and away shirts.

The two-year partnership is a continuation of the existing relationship between Sunderland and Great Annual Savings Group, who are based in the North-East and have been working alongside the club since 2017.

Founded in 2012, GAS is a business-to-business cost reduction specialist, giving businesses and their owners the power to control their outgoing costs. With more than 10,000 customers across the UK and Republic of Ireland, GAS has built a portfolio ranging from sole traders to large multinationals in all sectors.

The group is about to move into new headquarters at Seaham’s Spectrum Business Park and will be collaborating with Sunderland AFC on a wide range of community-based initiatives across the North-East throughout the partnership.

Jim Rodwell, chief executive officer at Sunderland, said: "We are proud to welcome Great Annual Savings Group as our new principal partner.

"Over the past three years, my colleagues have forged a strong and long-lasting partnership with Great Annual Savings Group and their passion for the club has shone brightly throughout.

"Cementing partnerships with North-East businesses will greatly benefit SAFC and the community for many years to come, and we are looking forward to growing successfully together."

Brad Groves, chief executive of GAS, added: "We have worked with Sunderland for three years now and have helped them with energy and legislative obligations, as well as becoming a long-term supporter of the Foundation of Light.

"Sunderland is a football club with huge influence in the city and the region. As one of the UK’s fastest-growing businesses, we believe we can utilise this to achieve something worthwhile with the partnership.

"In a time of uncertainty for so many families, we will be working with the club on a number of initiatives to make a difference to families who may be struggling. With the backing of the club, we are looking forward to revealing more soon."