Sunderland will kick off the new season with a new home shirt – designed by Diadora – available to pre-order from today.
The Black Cats have teamed up with Italian sportswear manufacturer Diadora to provide the new kit – and training wear – for the 2004-2005 campaign.
The home design is launched on Saturday, August 7; but if you pre-order yours now you will get a free mini-kit into the bargain – and guaranteed delivery on the day of the launch.
The home shirt is made from a high-performance fibre and comes with a red-and-white stripe on the collar, as seen right across the Diadora range.
The shirt has a mesh underarm for breatheability and features white rather than red as the centre stripe (last seen in the season Kevin Phillips scored 30 goals in the Premiership).
It also features a plain white band on the back to comply with new League ruling regarding the visibility of player names on the back of shirts.
The shirt has a retro look, resembling the kit worn by Gary Rowell in the late 1970s and early 80s.
SAFC marketing director, Jim Slater, said: “The kit looks fantastic and we are really encouraged by the feedback we have received so far from supporters. A lot of fans have commented how they like the simple, uncluttered design of the kit.
“Naturally we are hoping that the kit will be a strong seller, and it will be far better for the club financially if supporters were to pre-order and buy the new kit via the club’s stores, SAFC mail order hotline (0191 551 5030) or safc.com, as all of the profits will then be re-invested in SAFC.”
The new training range will be available to supporters in mid-July, with the new home kit available for sale on Saturday 7th August.
Sunderland will also offer ladies-cut versions of the shirt for the first time. The club has one of the highest percentages of female season ticket holders in the country and the new range will consider their needs and body shapes.
CLICK HERE to pre-order your kit now – and receive a free mini-kit.