York City have pulled off a major coup after signing a two-year deal with global sportswear giants Nike Team Wear to produce the Minstermen's kit, the Evening Press can exclusively reveal.

Nike's foray into the world of football are better known for their link-ups with the higher echelons of the game, with deals with the likes of Brazil and Manchester United.

However, Nike are branching out into grassroots football, with York City poised to be the only Third Division club to be wearing the 'kit of champions'.

The two-year deal, which will see Nike provide the club's new home and away shirts and the rest of the Minstermen's kit, comes on the back of City's announcement of Phoenix Software as the new club sponsors and Chris Brass and Lee Nogan as the Minstermen's new player-management duo.

City are now hoping that the fantastic link-up with Nike, which was brokered by commercial director Jason McGill, will generate much-needed funds for the club through the sale of smart looking kit - finally ending the checked version introduced by ex-chairman John Batchelor.

McGill said: "The new Nike kit is absolutely fantastic and we are proud to be associated with this winning brand.

"We have already shown the new kit to Chris and Lee, as well as our new sponsors Phoenix Software, and everyone is delighted with the look and quality of the garments.

"We are confident our new Nike home and away shirts will sell very well next season and will generate important income for the club.

"The new deal also gives us the opportunity to give something back to the fans, as we can now offer City supporters fashionable shirts of the highest quality at the same price as last year's kit. Thankfully it's goodbye to those black and white checks!"

City's new player-coach, Lee Nogan, added: "Both Chris and I have seen the kit and we are thrilled the team will be wearing Nike next season.

"The quality of the kit is exceptional. I know the players will be comfortable wearing it and I believe it will give the lads a real boost knowing they are sporting the same quality shirts as top teams like Manchester United and Arsenal.

"It's a kit both the team and the fans really can be proud of."

The new home shirt will be unveiled at the club's Open Day on Sunday July 13, when the team will be running out of the tunnel in their new Nike kit.

The home shirts will then be on sale and available for fans to purchase at City's pre-season friendly against Livingston on Thursday, July 31. The away kit will then be launched in early August, just before the start of the Minstermen's new campaign.

Supporters are now able to pre-order the shirts by contacting the York City club shop.

Updated: 11:04 Monday, June 09, 2003