Last season's sponsor, Clive Palmer-owned Mineralogy, has stepped aside from their deal with the Robina outfit to allow another of the Gold Coast owner's companies to take the spotlight.

QN - Queensland Nickel - were last year's front of shirt sponsors for state rival North Queensland Fury but they were replaced by a new Townsville deal with the Mission Australia charity this season.

Now QN will replace Mineralogy on the front of the Gold Coast shirts.

"Mineralogy stepped aside to allow QN the opportunity to expose their brand nationally and internationally," said a club spokesman.

QN Chief Operating Officer Neil Meadows added: "Football is the world game and we believe that sport, through football, offers an exceptional opportunity to enhance our brand and further build business relationships and long term customer friendships.

"Our growth aspirations continue to sit well with the fast growing sport of football and with the emerging success of the Hyundai A-League.

 “We are also confident that this sponsorship will link well with our recent investment in junior sport in Townsville."

Gold Coast United FC CEO Clive Mensink said the QN sponsorship was an ideal fit for the club and a tremendous boost to the players on the cusp of a new season.

 He added: “We share QN’s aspirations and are thrilled to have the opportunity to have a major partner of this calibre.”