Derby County Football Club are linking up with the Greenbank Group - another worldwide company with its base right here in Derbyshire - for 2008/09 season.

The Woodville-based Greenbank Group, world leaders in the design, manufacture and installation of optimisation products for coal fired boilers, will have their logo displayed on the back of the Rams' shirts this season.

It is a new venture for both parties and one that has been hailed as an important step for Derby County Football Club and the Greenbank Group.

Tom Glick, President and CEO of Derby County, said: "Greenbank are world leaders in their field and a company that is developing products which help contribute towards a better environment.

"It is an honour for us to become partners with such an ambitious group, who like us, are also at the heart of the community in Derby and proud to be so, while endeavouring to have an impact on the world stage.

"We will be working closing together on many projects which will benefit Derby County, Greenbank and the community in an around Derby."

Although a global organisation with manufacturing and administration facilities in the UK, USA, Czech Republic, China and India, Greenbank is a Derbyshire company at heart and proud of its local roots.

Greenbank Managing Director Charles Conroy said: "This sponsorship is a huge boost to company morale as we have a lot of loyal Rams supporters within our organisation.

"We are delighted and proud that Derby County will be sporting the Greenbank name on their shirts next season.

"The business has been very successful over the last couple of years, receiving numerous accolades, and sees the sponsorship of the club both as a major step forward in both raising our profile and celebrating our heritage with Derbyshire pride!"

The Greenbank Group is a major player in the world of Clean Coal Technology, which is helping increase the efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of coal-fired power stations.

In the last two years the group have collected a number of prestigious UK business awards including the 2008 Queen's Award for Enterprise, 2008 Business of the Year and 2007 Innovation through Technology Award at the Derbyshire Business Awards.