CHRIS Reeves says a lucrative stadium naming rights deal has given Poole Town “a genuine confidence” they can meet a pressing ground-grading deadline.

But vice-chairman Reeves has also sounded a note of caution and insists the club still has work to do to reach their target before the end of March.

The National South outfit yesterday finalised a five-year contract with Black Gold Developments (UK) Limited which will see Tatnam renamed the Black Gold Stadium.

Although the financial details are subject of a confidentiality agreement, the funds invested will go towards helping Poole continue to upgrade their facilities.

The Dolphins, promoted as Southern League champions, are facing the prospect of being relegated from National South unless they can find £70,000 to get their ground up to scratch.

Poole were given the green light to stage step two football at Tatnam on the proviso the venue met National League ground-grading criteria by March 31 this year.

They received a boost on Thursday when planning chiefs backed their proposals to carry out the necessary improvements.

Commenting on the deal, Reeves told the Daily Echo: “We are absolutely delighted. It is a very important part of the package in terms of us having the confidence that we are going to be able to come up with all the money we need. We are very grateful to Black Gold Developments (UK) Limited for their support.”

Asked whether Poole now had sufficient funds to finish the stadium upgrade, Reeves said: “Not in terms of having all the money in the bank and not even in terms of having all the money pledged.

“But bearing in mind all the money that we have either received or been pledged and the wave of enthusiasm and support that we have received and the fund-raising events we have planned, we have a genuine confidence that we will collect all the money we need.

“The support we have had has been tremendous. Running the club takes so much time and effort and, as is well documented, we have had huge hurdles to overcome. On occasions, it is tempting to feel the world is against you.

“When you enter a period in the club’s history like we are going through at the moment, where very publicly it is obvious that so many people respect what’s happening and want to give us their support and encouragement, it is very uplifting.”

As part of the deal with Black Gold Developments (UK) Limited, Poole will have a new black and gold third kit but will not change their traditional red and white colours.

Dave Roberts, from Black Gold Developments (UK) Limited, said: “This is a fantastic sponsorship deal for Poole Town. I have been supporting the club for the past three seasons and look forward to going there and seeing Black Gold’s name. If there is anything else we can do there, we will.”

  • Second-placed Ebbsfleet today visit fourth-placed Poole in the game of the day in National South (3pm kick-off).