SAINTS have announced that iconic sponsor Draper Tools will return as a partner, 40 years on from when they first worked with the club.
The local Hampshire-based business will become Southampton's official tool partner, with their historic logo featuring on the back of the men's first team shirts and the back of Saints' women's shorts.
The Draper Tools sponsor sat on the front of Saints’ shirt for nine years between 1984 and 1993, during which time iconic players including Alan Shearer, Matthew Le Tissier and Francis Benali made their debuts.
Saints' announcement comes shortly after they revealed their 2023-24 Home Kit, which pays homage to the club’s 1987-89 shirt back when it was sponsored by Draper Tools.
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This edition of the shirt has a slight twist with each of club's kits this season celebrating a different element of the club's crest.
The home shirt focuses on the Hampshire rose, with over a thousand small roses subtly printed into the shirt in a diagonal pattern.
On the reverse of the shirt, the Hampshire rose proudly sits symbolising the city of Southampton.
Charlie Boss, Chief Commercial Officer at Saints, said: "We are delighted to welcome back Draper Tools as a partner.
"Their rich history with us makes this feel extra special as we embark on this new chapter together, particularly as we celebrate such an iconic shirt.
"We look forward to working with them over the course of the season and beyond to deliver a brilliant partnership.”
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Matt Sheen, CEO for Draper Tools, said: “We at Draper Tools are very proud to be one of the partners of Southampton FC men's and women's teams this season.
"As a family business, our local community has always been important to us, and we’ve never forgotten our history with the club.
"Recent years have seen us support the work of the club’s official charity, Saints Foundation, so it feels really special for our relationship with the club to enter this exciting new chapter.
"Being a lifelong fan, like many of my Draper colleagues, the nostalgia involved in this partnership feels great too.”
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