York City Knights have confirmed a new main shirt sponsorship deal – signalling majority shareholder John Guildford’s continued commitment to the club.

Huntington Road-based company GCL – otherwise known as Guildford Construction Ltd – has agreed a one-year deal with the club to have its name emblazoned across the front of the new home and away shirts for 2010.

The club have not revealed how much the agreement is worth, but The Press believes it to be a five-figure sum.

Guildford who has been the Knights majority shareholder since their inception in 2002, announced in August that he was to step down as chief executive at the end of this season and sell his shares.

However, while The Press revealed three weeks ago negotiations were under way with two potential buyers, no further news has been forthcoming, and it seems Guildford is still working behind the scenes on recruitment.

This new sponsorship deal with his firm suggests that while he might relinquish control, he is not set to walk away from the club.

Knights general manager Ian Wilson hailed Guildford’s backing. “We’re delighted that GCL will be on the front of the shirts next year.

“John is obviously extremely passionate about York City Knights and York rugby league, and this goes to show he wants the club to do well whether he’s at the helm or not.”

The Knights announced last week that Selby-based Mayfair Security had agreed a three-year extension to their agreement to sponsor the main stand at Huntington Stadium – now branded the Mayfair Security Stand – and several other shirt sponsors are also on board for 2010.

They are Shepherd Group, Autocool Radiators, Monkbar Model Shop, Novotel, Ibis Hotel, The Terrace pub, York Pullman, the family of York legend Vic Yorke, and K Walker & Co Accountants.

Shorts sponsors include the Jinnah Group restaurants and Mike Miller Accounting Services, and sponsors of other merchandise are AJHSS Ltd, Cueball, North Yorkshire Motors and Anytime Travel.

Wilson added: “We’re lucky we’ve got a lot of good sponsors. It’s nice when they commit to sponsoring the club. We’re highly reliant on it – without it we would not be able to survive.”