TODAY (Tuesday, 1 June) Watford FC can reveal their new home shirt for the forthcoming season and it is one which marks the beginning of a new partnership with the Club's Official Kit Supplier and Sponsor BURRDA.

Those lucky enough to be at Saturday's Elton John concert at Vicarage Road will have seen the singer wearing the new 2010/11 replica shirt on stage as well as holding up an additional replica shirt before throwing it into the crowd.

In the photo to the right, Watford boss Malky Mackay and BURRDA's General Manager, Charles Diab, can be seen with Elton before the concert holding the brand new home shirt.

The two-year deal with BURRDA was announced last month and Watford's Chief Executive Officer, Julian Winter, is pleased the Club has gained a crucial new partner.

In a difficult financial climate, just attracting a sponsor is an achievement, but Winter believes it's the start of an important partnership.

He said: "It's a competitive market out there and a difficult economic climate.

"We were in dialogue with a couple of shirt manufacturers and the idea of a shirt manufacturer taking a shirt sponsorship was something we discussed.

Elton John showing the new home shirt on Saturday evening at Vicarage Road

"It is a new deal for us and BURRDA and a great opportunity to build a successful partnership."

The Swiss international sportswear manufacturer was impressed with the Hornets' ever blossoming Academy and the Club's vital place in the local community. This is something that Winter takes pride in. 

He added: "If you refer back to the writing of a new plan for Watford, our Academy and Community are pivotal pillars in what we do, and what we all want for a sustainable Watford in the long term.

"I think BURRDA certainly bought into that and I think more and more often now partners in our Football Club are looking at how we're structured, the way we deliver, the things that we focus on and the progress we're making against that plan.

"So, they have joined us a year into that plan which is great, we've made some progress and they like what they've seen."

Guests from BURRDA were at Vicarage Road on Saturday to see Elton's homecoming concert and Winter is hoping to build upon the relationship over the next few years. 

"It's interesting you work with different sponsors and each one will have different needs and demands" commented the CEO. 

"With BURRDA we get a sense that they really understand Watford, it will be a very close relationship because they want to see Watford develop as much as we do.

Julian Winter & Watford Chairman Graham Taylor holding the new replica shirt

"It will help them if we make progress, they've bought into us and we've bought into them, this particular relationship will be a particularly close one.

"It's nice for us as a Football Club to be involved in something at the start, we hope we can help them develop their brand and products."

To pre-order the new home shirt for 2010/11 please click here. Existing season ticket holders will receive a £10 discount along with free delivery if they order before 12th June.

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