Birmingham City Football Club have today completed a club record signing off the pitch in an exclusive five year sponsorship deal with Xtep International Holdings Ltd.

This sponsorship deal will see the sportswear manufacturer produce the club's playing and training kit from the start of the 2010/11 season.

Birmingham City FC's Vice Chairman, Peter Pannu added: "This is a fantastic deal for the football club.

"Not only is it a superb deal commercially, being the biggest sponsorship the club has acquired, but also on a brand level as it promotes the club internationally.

Blues Vice Chairman Peter Pannu

"Xtep are big players in the sportswear market in China and this partnership will expand the Birmingham City FC brand in the Far East."

Birmingham City FC will be added to a portfolio which includes Disney Sport (Shanghai) and the Koling brand.

The record deal will replace the club's three year sponsorship with UMBRO which will conclude at the end of the current season.

It is the club's intention that Blues supporters will have a direct input into the final selection of the design of the new playing kit.

Further details of the design and launch of the new 2010/11 kit will be announced in due course.