WIMBORNE Town’s preparations for the new season have received a major setback after a local company pulled out of a lucrative sponsorship deal at the 11th hour.

Magpies officials were convinced they had reached agreement with the firm – which the club has opted not to name – to become its main sponsor for a substantial five-figure sum.

However, they discovered earlier this month that the owners of the business had had a change of heart and subsequently decided to withdraw their offer at late notice.

The move has left the Cuthbury outfit frantically trying to find a replacement – with the new season due to start in less than three weeks.

Wimborne received an unexpected promotion to the newly-named Southern League South having initially lost their Division One West play-off final against Swindon Supermarine in May.

It came about following the withdrawal and disbanding of Barnsley-based Shaw Lane from the Northern League Premier Division, which left a vacancy at step three of the non-league pyramid.

As a result, Wimborne were asked in early June by the Football Association whether they wished to be considered for promotion with club officials confirming they would.

However, a lengthy appeals process involving a number of other clubs resulted in their move only being ratified at the start of this month.

The climb into a higher league is likely to involve additional financial input with the late withdrawal of a proposed main sponsor coming as a huge setback to the club.

Magpies finance director Lee Merrifield told the Daily Echo: “The late withdrawal of our anticipated new main sponsor was a blow to the club both in terms of lost revenue and the timing of their decision which has hampered our ability to secure a replacement.

“Manager Matty Holmes has done an amazing job, on and off the pitch, with limited resources and he and the players fully deserve the opportunity to compete at step three – and they will have the full backing of the club.

“Despite the late confirmation of the promotion, the club is excited about the prospects of playing the likes of Poole, Dorchester and Weymouth this season.

“But to achieve our full potential, we really need the help and support of a new main sponsor in what will be a very competitive league.

“We expect gates to increase and the profile of the club to improve significantly, so now would be an ideal opportunity for a new sponsor to partner up with Wimborne Town.”

Magpies’ late promotion also prompted three teams from Southern League South to cancel pre-season friendlies with them as they will now be competing in the same division.

They kick off their campaign with a trip to Farnborough on Saturday, August 11 before hosting neighbours Dorchester at Cuthbury three days later.

Any companies interested in becoming Wimborne’s main sponsor are asked to contact Lee Merrifield on 07946 677990 or email him at leemerrifield@aol.com.