FURNITURE manufacturers Verco is ending its 13-year relationship as Wycombe Wanderers' main sponsor.

From next season, the club's famous quartered shirts will no longer carry the Verco name after the company's shock announcement this week that it is cutting down its support of the second division club due to the economic climate.

Verco will still put money into the club and retain its executive box at the ground, but it will be on a much smaller scale. Blues and Verco refused to reveal the amount of the sponsorship, which is believed to be a six-figure sum.

Verco chief Derek Vere, who is also a Wanderers director, said: "It's a sign of the times. Needs must at the end of the day.

"We have served them well over the years and it is now time to pass the baton on to another company.

"Economics have played a part in the decision and we have got to look at it prudently.

"Our relationship with the club is as strong as ever and I will be just as proud of the club whoever is sponsoring them."

Verco and the football club have been like Siamese twins throughout the club's remarkable rise up the leagues and into last season's FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool.

Wanderers fan Dale Hurman said: "A Wycombe Wanderers football shirt won't be the same without Verco on it.

"The name is synonymous with the club and it is a sad day."

Blues chairman Ivor Beeks said: "We're disappointed. We've had a great relationship with Verco. Thirteen years is one of the longest in the Football League.

"It's been a tremendous period. It was a surprise but these love affairs don't go on forever."

The announcement comes at a time when Wanderers' profile could hardly be higher.

They came within two minutes of knocking Premiership Fulham out of the FA Cup, in front of TV cameras on Tuesday and whoever succeeds Verco is expected to have to pay top dollar.

Team boss Lawrie Sanchez said: "It's disappointing. Verco has been tremendous for us and we've been good for each other."

In a statement to fans, the club said: "We recognise that some fans will have purchased replica shirts for Christmas. We will in due course offer a discount package for exchange of these shirts, providing receipts are shown for purchases during December."