HAMPSHIRE firms are being asked if they want to pay about £100,000 to be a Patron Saint' as part of an ambitious new sponsorship drive from Southampton Football Club.

In a bid to raise sponsorship revenue by 30 per cent, Saints' old "scattergun" approach is being ditched in favour of a range of new packages offering exclusive rights.

Like fans, long-standing business supporters are also to be rewarded for their loyalty under a Gold, Silver and Bronze benefits system.

Low fare air giant Flybe is the main club sponsor with a shirt deal that runs for a further two years.

Now Saints bosses are, for the first time, offering six firms a second tier sponsorship position, known as Patron Saints.

Two companies are already in line to hand over the estimated £100,000 being charged. Club bosses said it was too early to name them and also declined to reveal how much they expect to raise from sponsors.

A third tier of up to ten official corporate supporters and suppliers is also being introduced and a further fourth level is available for an as-yet-undecided number of businesses.

Saints say the new system is more in line with business needs and maximises both the benefits of associating with the famous red and white stripes as well as the revenue the club can earn.

Scattergun fashion' Southampton FC commercial director Andy Oldknow said: "The football club was operating, as many do, in a scattergun fashion. We were not going about it as efficiently as we could.

"Commercial partners want more structured rights packages that give them exclusivity in terms of their association.

"We have redesigned our structure to be more in synch with what corporate partners require from us, so we can drive a better premium for the rights we have and then generate a 30 per cent premium."

He explained that the increase was not based on expectations of winning promotion to the Premiership, a jackpot possibility that would push up sponsorship revenue still further.

"It's an ambitious target but we feel that the rights at our disposal will be attractive regardless of our status," he said. "Clearly if we are in the Premiership then the 30 per cent would increase further."

Long-standing corporate supporters, such as Cedar Printing, Draper Tools and Bandai, will be in line for special merchandise, discounts and other benefits under the new loyalty reward system. The move follows a similar offer to long-standing season ticket holders, who are being offered discounts on renewing their ticket next season.

"These are people who have consistently bought boxes and corporate hospitality from us and we appreciate the loyalty they've shown us," said Mr Oldknow.