MANCHESTER-based electronics company Brother have pulled the plug on their 17-year sponsorship of Andrew Murray.

It brings to an end the longest commercial association in European Tour history and the decision coincides with their withdrawal from the hugely popular PGA North Region Winter Series.

Brother, whose name used to be emblazoned on the shirts of Manchester City players, are restructuring their company and redirecting funds elsewhere.

Murray, winner of the European Open in 1989, said: ''They continued to sponsor me after I retired from the Tour, which was unusual but typical of a firm who have not only kept their faith in me but given so much to regional golf.

''They have been fantastic to me - there was no obligation to keep me on for the last five years. They've supported me in a huge way and I can't thank them enough.

''Even though they are not retaining me, which is disappointing but understandable, I will still be doing a lot of corporate stuff for them so I won't be losing touch altogether.''

Manchester-born and bred Murray, 45, is spending an increasing amount of his time away from playing as demands are made on him for his broadcasting skills and promotional work.

He will continue to run short-game coaching sessions for Cheshire at Portal, where he is attached.

Meanwhile, the PGA are confident of finding a new sponsor for the winter series which Brother have backed for 14 years.