Neil Doncaster hails new Challenge Cup sponsor

THE name doesn’t glide of the tongue, but the Petrofac Training Cup has been tipped as a catalyst for more sponsorship for Scottish Football.

Neil Doncaster (left) joins Petrofac's Laurence Milne to announce the new sponsor. Picture: SNS

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster yesterday announced an “enhanced” sponsorship deal with the oil and gas training provider for the Challenge Cup – and expects a top-flight backer to follow. The draw for the first round of the competition, which kicks off on 26 July, will be made at Easter Road today.

While reluctant to divulge the exact fee, Doncaster said that the terms of the partnership will bring in more than the previous contract with Ramsdens amid increased interest in the tournament due to the presence of Rangers, Hearts and Hibs – clubs who in headier times might have regarded the tournament as akin to a ‘training’ event.

No deal has yet been struck for a sponsor of the Scottish Premiership, but Doncaster says “warm conversations” continue.

Meanwhile, Jack Ross has agreed to leave his position as assistant manager of Dumbarton to join the revamped coaching staff at Hearts.