SKRILL'S early withdrawal from their sponsorship agreement with the Football Conference isn't seen as a body blow by chairman Brian Lee.
The online payment company signed a three year deal to become the sponsor of Non-League's top three divisions in July, replacing the defunct Blue Square after a near two-month search.
But written into the long-term deal was a break clause half way through their first season which allowed Skrill the opportunity to call an end to the arrangement after 12 months.
They exercised that right and now the hunt is on to find a sponsor for next season but Conference chairman Lee is upbeat despite losing a second title partner inside nine months.
On their side is the fact that the cut-price Skrill deal was signed before BT Sport confirmed they would cover the league – something Lee says has been a massive success.
He said: “We've got a bit more time than we did in the summer, but we can't rest on our laurels. People are working as I'm talking – it's too easy to say if anything is in the pipeline, but we are getting some calls and the point is that people still see the Conference as a big brand.
“Somebody out there will sponsor the league next year, there's no doubt about that. It's a shame it didn't work out with Skrill of course. But it is there prerogative to withdraw, that is what was in the contract so we respect their decision.
“We are looking for a sponsor who can interact with the clubs. It's very much an image thing – we want somebody who will engage with the league, who you can identify with at club and national level.
“The viewing figures for BT Sport have been highly encouraging. Remember, we did the Skrill deal before they confirmed their coverage so the television success will be another strong case for a good deal. We're confident there won't be a repeat of last season, and time is certainly on our side.”
