FOOTBALL bosses at St Mirren are in the money after making a new signing.

They have done a partnership deal with the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) which is helping to pay the cost of installing a new scoreboard at the Saints' Greenhill Road ground

The deal will result in UWS branding appearing in the stadium as part of new sponsorship and partnership working opportunities for the university and the Scottish Premier League side.

Both organisations have worked closely together. Students have undertaken work placements at the club while more recently the university's trainee journalists have been reporting on home games.

The new agreement is expected to generate more benefits, such as the creation of staff development opportunities, joint research studies and a chance for students to get involved with the club's coaching initiatives.

St Mirren's chief executive Brian Caldwell said: "We see great opportunities for the students, giving them the opportunity to get experience to enhance their degrees by being involved with a club which has a huge community ethos."

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk