Witney-based Bridle Insurance are Oxford United’s new shirt sponsors.

It’s on an initial two-year deal, though Bridle say they are looking to it being a much longer-term partnership.

They replace Buildbase, who were United’s main sponsors for ten years.

Talks had been taking place for months after Buildbase indicated they were keen to pass on the baton to someone else, and Bridle agreed to become United’s new sponsors whichever league they were in.

“It’s a real bonus that Oxford United are in the Football League,” said Neil Fox, Bridle Insurance’s chief operations officer. “The papers had been signed when they were still in the Conference.

“We’re very much committed to it being a long-term partnership.

“The whole team at Bridle are all Oxford United fans, with some lifelong supporters following home and away.”

Bridle’s head office is in Range Road, Witney. They also have an office in Southampton and are breaking into south Wales with an outlet in Swansea.

The company have set up a deal with U’s supporters so that revenue made through the fans goes back to the club.

“We will give half of what we generate through Oxford United back to the club, from home and travel insurance right up to league commercial operations,” Fox said.

The agreement is thought to be worth slightly more than what Buildbase paid Oxford, though neither party would give any figures.

Oxford United chairman Kelvin Thomas said: “It’s a good deal for us. I think it will be one of the top sponsorships in League Two.

“Once Buildbase indicated to us that they probably weren’t going to continue at a similar level, we talked to Bridle and a couple of others, but Bridle’s a good match for us.

“They think they’ll get the exposure they need being associated with Oxford United, especially now we’re back in the Football League.”

Bridle had an executive box at the Kassam Stadium last season, and previous sponsors Buildbase will continue to do so.

“We’re all disappointed to see Buildbase go,” Thomas added.

“They have been a big part of what we’ve done over the last ten years, and especially over the last few years.

“We’re excited they’re still involved. It was important for us the partnership continued.”

The design of the sponsor’s logo for Oxford United’s shirts next season has already been decided, and is likely to be revealed soon.