Hibs set to land five sponsorship deals

Negotiations to clinch the "multi-year" contracts are almost complete with announcements due to be made over the course of the coming few days.

Although he was unwilling to name the companies involved until agreements have been signed, Fife Hyland, Hibs' commercial and communications director, revealed each would bring "significant" financial benefit to the Easter Road club.

The contracts will see Hibs enjoy a new official car partner, a new sponsor for the players' shorts, a new beer supplier for the stadium bars and hospitality lounges, a betting partner and a "media rights" deal for Easter Road.

The news comes hard on the heels of the disclosure that Puma will supply the kit for John Hughes' players over the next three years and, insisted Hyland, the coming tie-ups were "very pleasing" given the current economic climate. Hyland revealed much hard work has gone into identifying suitable partners in each of the areas and to clinch the deals with corporate and commercial manager Russell Smith having played a leading role following his return to Easter Road after two years working with the SRU.

He said: "It's been a very productive couple of months but a lot of hard work to get things over the line.

"I think the club's solid footing, the new East Stand going up and the prospect of European football next season have all helped.

"But there's also, I believe, a loosening of commercial spend as brands start planning to get out of recession and, as a football club, there's a lot we can do to help people get their message out there.

"Each of the deals we'll be signing is for two or three years which brings a bit of security as we plan forward and each involves significant figures in terms of cash.

"All will be great partnerships and help our aim of increasing revenue year-on-year."