Newcastle United 1 - Manchester 1

999 Design, has scored off the pitch with Premiership giants Newcastle United after agreeing a deal to develop the football club's marketing communications in 2008.

999 will roll out the year-long contract, with both parties currently in talks regarding a number of potential projects throughout this period.

Work will officially begin next month, with 999 tasked with the design and production of Newcastle's 2008/09 replica kit brochure, to be released to fans in the summer.

999 has a longstanding history of working with leading and renowned sports brands and clubs, including Reebok, Manchester City, Sunderland Golf and Puma.

The agency this week announced that it aims to continue to focus on growing this area of business in 2008 having last year won new accounts with Blackburn Rovers FC and world rugby club champions, St Helens.

John Harrison of Sports Direct, owners of Newcastle United FC, commented: "We are delighted to have agreed this contract with 999 Design, who can demonstrate a wealth of creative expertise and an impressive track record in the sports marketing arena.

"Initially, we have commissioned 999 to refresh and develop our range of marketing communications over the next 12 months beginning with our official 2008/09 replica kit brochure, which will be launched in the summer. There are a number of other projects in the pipeline and we look forward to forging a productive relationship in the months ahead."