Ground renamed as part of Fox’s sponsorship deal

The two-year deal will also see the name and logos of one of the biggest firms in Batley appear on the new-look Bulldogs playing shirts in 2015.

Bulldogs chairman Kevin Nicholas hopes this will help forge links between the club and the firm which can benefit the whole community.

Mr Nicholas said: “We are absolutely delighted. Obviously Fox’s are a major brand and major company in the town and for them to get involved is brilliant for everybody concerned.

“Fox’s are a very enthusiastic company who have been great over the last few months so we are hoping we are going to build on this for a long time to come.

“It is a new beginning for everybody involved in rugby league, especially the Championship. This is a new marker and emphasis on the new era.”

Fox’s were main Batley shirt sponsors between 1989 to 1999 but it was tentative enquiries about using the business car park for last season’s Challenge Cup tie with Castleford Tigers which led to initial sponsorship negotiations.

Fox’s operations support manager Tom Phillips, explained: “Initially we came in to work as the club’s community partner.

“Most of our employees live and have been brought up in Batley, so we wanted Fox’s to do more work in the community.

“We see a partnership with the Bulldogs as a great way to get involved in the community and we hope this is the start of a partnership which will last for many years to come.

“Sponsoring the ground is a win-win situation as it supports the club and gets the Fox’s name out there, especially as the Bulldogs are likely to be appearing on Sky TV next season.”

Bulldogs chief executive Paul Harrison added: “Having the largest company in Batley back on board is very exciting.

“Fox’s Biscuits have helped us, as a club, to be able to get back out into the community which we have not been able to do in recent times.”