FORMER Kidderminster Harriers chairman Lionel Newton has thrown his support behind Stourport Swifts by sponsoring the Walshes Meadow side's home and away kits this season.

Newton, 62, is backing the club through his son Andrew's printing company, i4 Media, which has its name adorned on the kits.

The Bewdley-based businessman makes a return to football after a two-year absence, when he relinquished control of Stourport's Aggborough neighbours.

"I am happy to be supporting Stourport Swifts by backing them financially through my son's company," said Newton.

"I wanted to get involved in football but didn't want the day-to-day responsibility of being at a club. I am just pleased to be helping the club financially and would like to stress that I will not be joining Swifts board!

"Before I became interested in Swifts I had not been to see a match or even thought about football since I left Harriers."
Swifts chairman Chris Reynolds also added he was delighted to have his friend involved.

Swifts boss Phil Mullen is confident his side can bounce back from two defeats in the BGB Southern League Midlands Division One when they play Cinderford Town at home on Saturday (3pm kick off).
Stourport lost 1-0 to Dunstable Town and 5-1 at Leamington on Tuesday night.

"I thought we were slightly the better side against Dunstable but they caught us out with a goal," said Mullen.

"We were excellent in the first half against Leamington but let ourselves down in the second. That result is a kick up the backside.

"I feel that if the players stick to what we have asked them to do we are good enough to get ourselves out of trouble. I feel the squad has a lot of quality and that we can do well this season."

Stourport go to Chesham United in the league on Monday (3pm kick off).