Newcastle United, the English soccer club relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season, has been handed a financial boost by signing an agreement with the UK's largest sports tour operator, Thomas Cook Sport.

Thomas Cook, which has partnerships in place with the likes of Aston Villa and Chelsea in the Premier League, will be the club's official travel partner for the next three years, in a deal expected to be worth a significant annual sum to the club.

"We're really excited about this new partnership," said Barry Webber, commercial director at Newcastle United, "Thomas Cook are a fantastic brand and we're confident that the holiday club will prove popular with our fans to save them money on their holiday. Our match breaks will ensure our loyal fans living away from St James' can still support the team."

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Danny Talbot, director of Thomas Cook Sport, added: "We're thrilled to be working with Newcastle United, a great team with great fans across the UK. Thomas Cook Sport is continuing to build strong relationships with some of the UK's top football clubs and we are delighted to add such a fantastic club as Newcastle United to that growing portfolio with this partnership."