A WGC firm has today (Wednesday) announced it is ending its sponsorship deal with Football League new boys Stevenage FC.

Megaman UK, which manufactures energy saving lightbulbs, has decided not to renew its previous three-year deal, which ran out on May 31.

The news comes despite Boro’s success in winning the Blue Square Premier last season and gaining promotion to the Football League for the first time.

In a statement, the Quadrant Park-based company said it viewed the expired sponsorship as having been a very valuable investment in terms of both corporate exposure and local community relations, and believes it has been highly beneficial for both the company and the club during the past three years.

However, following an in-depth review of promotional plans for the coming year, company executives have decided a change of direction is needed, and will be concentrating on a number of innovative PR initiatives in other fields.

But Megaman MD John Murphy said while the formal sponsorship deal had ended, the firm would continue to informally support the League Two club – which officially dropped the ‘Borough’ part of its name this month.

He said: “Working with Boro during the past three years has been both valuable and enjoyable, and we have shared some great times.

“But like all well-run companies, we regularly review what we need to do and how best to allocate our promotional budgets.

“For the coming year we are planning some radical changes to our marketing strategies, and will be getting involved in some exciting new approaches.

“Unfortunately, a continuation of the old sponsorship deal doesn’t fit into those plans.

He added: “However, our relationship with the club continues to be extremely cordial and we will hopefully be able to help them out occasionally as and when suitable opportunities occur.”