Wanderers have strengthened their lucrative link with multinational sportswear giant Reebok with a new four year sponsorship deal.

The agreement, believed to be worth well over £1 million but with bigger incentives if Wanderers make it back to the Premiership, will take the club into the next millenium and consolidate a partnership that kicked off six years ago.

But Reebok chief Dave Singleton, who comes from a family of Wanderers season ticket holders, quashed long-standing speculation that the company was aiming to increase its involvement in the club beyond the sponsorship sphere.

"We are in the business of athletics, sports and fitness," he explained. "Our focus is on selling footwear and clothing. We leave the running of football clubs to the people who know that best.

"We are a proud sponsor of Bolton Wanderers and we have no other involvement in the club. It's a partnership we value and look forward to taking into the next millenium ... and into the Premiership."

Mr Singleton, managing director of Reebok UK and vice-president (Northern Europe) of Reebok International, refused to give details of the financial package but said: "It's a significant amount of money and a commitment over four years is a significant commitment for any company to make.

"If Wanderers are successful they will benefit more but there has never been any question that relegation would affect our partnership.

"We just feel Wanderers have the determination to get back up there."

Wanderers chief executive Des McBain said: "We are thrilled Reebok have shown their confidence and support of the club in this way.

"It's a very prestigious sponsorship, which creates the right sporting image and lends itself perfectly to our activities."

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