And the deal completes a treble-chance jackpot for the soon-to-be-opened Invincibles Pavilion.

In addition to the arrival of backers Sportech plc, the company which now owns Littlewoods, Vernons and Zetters Pools, the stadium's clock will return after a 10-year absence.

And the completion of the new stand has now earned Deepdale a UEFA green light to host England Under-21 internationals.

Chairman Derek Shaw said: "The new Pavilion looks magnificent – it completes a stadium we are all extremely proud of."

The New Football Pools, which launch across the country this season with a £3m first prize, are now North End's official pools and 'Spot The Ball' partners.

Their name is emblazoned across the top of the Invincibles Pavilion.

Preston jeweller George Banks, a long-time supporter of the club, has sponsored the return of the Deepdale clock, which vanished from the stadium when the old Spion Kop was demolished to make way for the Bill Shankly Kop in 1998.

A new two-metre diameter version will have pride of place in the middle of the Pavilion, flanked by the words Deepdale Preston.

Both deals have delighted Shaw, and follow on from a bumper contract with Central Lancs Primary Care Trust who will be tenants of the new stand with a 'long-term conditions' health centre to be opened around the end of the year.

Sportech have amalgamated all three of the main treble chance firms under one umbrella in a bid to relaunch the pools this coming season.

And a major shareholder of Sportech is Trevor Hemmings, who is also the biggest single shareholder in PNE.

"We are delighted to welcome The New Football Pools as our latest commercial partner," said Shaw after the club issued an artist's
impression of the way the new stand will look on opening day.

"They have made a significant contribution to the look of the new Pavilion, allowing us to create a design for the top of the stand which complements our rich heritage and also allows the club to benefit commercially.

"We look forward to a long and successful partnership and hope we will be able to announce more exciting initiatives for our supporters throughout the duration of this arrangement."

For more on this deal, read Friday's Lancashire Evening Post.