Worcestershire lose main sponsor

Less than a month before the start of the domestic season Worcestershire have felt the impact of the financial crisis after their main team sponsor, Apollo 2000, was placed into administration.

Worcestershire are already in a tough financial position following floods which have hit New Road in recent seasons and this latest blow adds to their problems.

Mark Newton, the chief executive, admitted it was a difficult time but said the club provided the opportunity for a new business to come on board at short notice. "Whilst our thoughts must first and foremost be with those who have lost their jobs in these difficult times, the situation does present an excellent opportunity for an organisation somewhere," he said.

"We are in a fire sale situation but we do have a major branding opportunity available. In 2008 our television exposure produced £60,000 worth of coverage alone plus all the press coverage and goodwill that is created locally.

"Our commercial team are on the case and we are notifying as many companies as we can about the opportunity. We realise these are difficult times but equally, there may be somebody out there who is in a position to become involved. The situation also demonstrates that professional sport is not immune to the downturn."