DERBY County FC announced today that Melksham's Avon Tyres is the Rams’ back of shirt and shorts sponsor for the upcoming 2016/17 Sky Bet Championship season.

The sponsorship agreement will see the Avon Tyres logo appear on the back of Derby’s first-team shirts and shorts for the entire campaign.

Avon initially teamed up with the club in February of this year to become the Rams’ Official Tyre Partner, and due to the success of the partnership, they have opted to increase their involvement for the new season.

The launch of the new sponsorship took place at the Derby County Training Centre in partnership with the University of Derby, where Avon Tyres was welcomed by Derby County’s new Manager, Nigel Pearson, and Chief Operating Officer John Vicars, along with First Team players Chris Martin and Johnny Russell.

Today, Avon's century of tyre-making experience is combined with the very latest design and advanced technology, manufacturing tyres with unparalleled quality and performance. Avon Tyres is owned by Cooper Tire & Rubber Company.

Derby County’s President & Chief Executive Sam Rush said: “We’re delighted to welcome Avon Tyres to Derby County as our back of shirt and shorts sponsor for the 2016/17 campaign.

“Avon Tyres produces high-quality tyres and, from the moment we began talking to them about becoming a commercial partner and having a relationship with the club last year, we’ve been extremely impressed with their business and the direction that they are heading in.

“They have a big presence in the tyre-making industry and we’re thrilled that they see being associated with Derby County is a key part of their business-growth moving forward.”

Jeff Schumaker, Vice President of European Operations / Managing Director, Cooper Tire Europe, said: “We have seen substantial growth in brand awareness this year through effective football partnerships, and have chosen Derby as a club we wish to extend our association with for the upcoming season. Brand visibility on the team’s official kit gives us the opportunity to increase consumer awareness further, while also increasing our support of the club for a second season.”

For more information visit avon-tyres.co.uk.