SO the Isthmian League will have a new sponsor next season after stationers Ryman ended their 20 year alliance with the competition.

More commonly known as ‘The Ryman League’ Theo Paphitis’ nationwide company has served the three divisions – Premier, North and South – well in that time.

Youth and Development Leagues have been introduced, coinciding with a rise in attendance figures.

A new sponsor is expected to be announced soon, and the capture of the League and the institution that is non-league football will be significant for one lucky company.

January is the month non-league football gets banded around the national press, with several underdogs often battling their way to the third round of the FA Cup.

Lincoln City, managed by south Essex favourite Danny Cowley, and Sutton United are proudly flying the flag for non-league this season, but after their exits someway down the line, the bourgeoisie of the football world turns its head back to the Premier League.

But the hidden gem that is semi-professional football is one to be celebrated and invested in.

The general perception is that attendances are stagnating but the amount of fans filing through the turnstiles is largely growing.

New figures state there has been in increase in the amount of fans watching matches for the first half of this season.

In the Ryman Premier alone, there has been a boost of more than 11 per cent, despite fewer games being played this time a year ago, and there has been an average increase of more than eight per cent at individual gates.

Local clubs continue to do all they can to increase revenue and improve quality. Canvey Island and Bowers & Pitsea have invested in the clubhouse and pitch respectively while Billericay have plans to quadruple attendances.

Non-league football should be celebrated - let’s hope the new sponsor’s ambition matches that of our clubs.