THE FINANCIAL future looks safe for Bishop's Stortford as they signed a sponsorship deal with Stort Valley Coaches last week.

The renewed contract will be worth £30,000 a year over three years and was described by chairman John Goodwin as 'one of the biggest deals in non-League football.'

The club has also received significant financial backing from Stansted-based computer software company Freeserve.

A major part of Stortford's expenditure over the summer has gone towards the pitch. Some £44,000 has been spent in getting the Woodside Park turf ready for the new season.

The Blues began their pre-season campaign with a comfortable 4-0 win at Aveley last Thursday (July 27).

Manager Martin Hayes fielded an experimental side.

Debuts were given to Paul Yeoman of Saffron Walden Town at right back, Tyrone Hercules of Leyton Pennant at left back, Craig Dennis of Maldon Town in central defence, Billy Hudson of Wingate & Finchley in midfield, Glenn Southam and John Swaby of Enfield and youth team players Paul Kempton and Tom Butchart.

Hayes himself opened the scoring and further goals came in the second half from Matt Waldron (two) and Swaby.

On Saturday Stortford drew 1-1 at Bury Town of the Jewson Eastern League. The hosts took a half time lead with a penalty then Troy Braham equalised on 65 minutes with a fine solo goal.

Hayes said: 'All of the players on trial worked hard and did well against Aveley.

'No decisions have been made yet but we are looking to put something together and improve the squad.

'The Bury Town game didn't go quite according to plan but it was a good workout for the players as they had to fight hard to get something out of the game.

'We look forward to the Charlton game, it will be a good chance for the players to see what they have to aim for.'

Cambridge United visit Woodside Park tomorrow night (Thursday), kick-off 7.45pm, then Stortford entertain Alan Curbishley's Premiership newboys Charlton on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

The AGM of the BSFC Supporters Club will be held at 8pm on Thursday, August 10 at the Woodside Park ground, Bishop's Stortford.

All members and non-members are invited.