Former Western Stars cricketers Cleon Scotland and Albert Steede will be giving back to the club they represented for nearly a decade after the pair announced a partnership deal with the St. John's Field club and their business, GameTime Ltd.

The pair, who are co-owners of the sports and gaming company, will become the club's first official club partner with the agreement set to run for two years.

On hand for yesterday's announcement were Steede and Scotland, along with president Cecil Lewis, vice-president Michael Weeks, treasurer Chris Smith and director of cricket Gershon Gibbons (see photo Page 18).

In addition to a fixed sponsorship fee, the deal also includes bonus incentive payments based on team performances for winning trophies and/or runner-up positions.

"It was inevitable that we would give back to the club, we have been involved in helping athletes such as young motocross riders and a karate tournament on a smaller scale and now with our move here to Front Street, we feel that the time was right to push the brand further and get on board with something that is close to our hearts," said Scotland.

"Gershon and Chris came into us and put forward a good presentation as to why they wanted us to come on board.

"We have always wanted to help the club but weren't sure as to when but this was a great time to get on this and help with sponsorship.

"Their commitment to having a code of conduct and things of that nature was key to us and the initial presentation that was put forward was a big step in us coming on."

GameTime will also become the shirt sponsor of all senior teams, both in cricket and football (Dandy Town and Dandy Stars).

The company will be provided with signage and other promotional opportunities at the club's home ground, St. John's Field.

The agreement is particularly pleasing to the owners, who have seen fit to give back to the club and support the effort to produce successful and productive citizens through sport.

"We are former players, but also to give back to the community there is a great thing," said Steede.

"They have some very talented young men and women coming through the ranks and hopefully things like this will keep them around for many seasons to come.

"It is key that the players know that they have support from not only the club but those in the community that have been a part of the club.

"We wanted to help the club financially as well as they don't have the additional income as other clubs who have things such as bingo and so forth, so we are pleased with this and hopefully it will continue for a long time."

Club president Lewis added: "We dubbed this year 'The year of the return of Dandy Town', and to have to have two former players who gave us many good moments in their sporting lives and sporting success helping out is great for us," said Lewis.

"This time they have come with a different plan in mind and is pleasing to see them come back in not only sponsoring us but also helping out in training of our teams."