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The new strip will be released on the 9th September, and is the fourth kit to be released by Celtic in the last 15 months. Just before Seville, May 2003, the '100 Years Of The Hoops' strip was released. Last September saw the release of the 'Black Magic' away kit, and this summer, the 'Green = Silverware' away strip was brought out. The black kit has now been relegated to third kit.
By UEFA law, all teams participating in the Champions League must have three kits.
Unlike most other seasons, the '100 Years Of The Hoops' strip has lasted only a season. The last time it was worn was Henrik's Farewell Fiesta, against Sevilla on the 25th May. A year and four days after Seville.
The new kit's only difference from last year seems to be a collar and a black trim. The Carling logo is a cheap looking transfer sticky-on bit, unlike the usual harder material. It also features a silver star above the Celtic crest, in recognition of our European Cup win in '67.
The talk amongst the Celtic support is that Umbro's deal expires in July next year. Umbro are almost certain to lose out on the new contract (reported to be worth £20 Million), and so are bringing out the new strip to get one last paycheck from the Celtic support. And judging by our poll, they won't do too badly. Around 56% of you said you would buy the new strip no matter what, as you always do.
Umbro are not as big a brand name as Nike or Adidas, for example. Celtic supporters in the US and Canada, often find it difficult to get a hold of the latest Celtic kits, due to Umbro's lack of marketing activity overseas. With the likes of Nike, you have countless factory stores throughout America, where all of their strips can be bought. I've yet to hear of an outbreak of Umbro Superstores throughout the States.
Umbro have done well with Celtic. They have been manufacturing our kits since the late 80's, and to be fair, their strips have always been of a high standard - apart from the first NTL one. It got changed and everyone was happy. But I find it rather cheeky they feel the need to bring out another set of Hoops, only a few months after releasing a new away kit. In our poll, 28% have vowed not to buy the new kit. And 40% said maybe.
By moving to a brand such as Nike, or Adidas, we will sell more merchandise. We could go down the same road as the huns, and make our own strips, but we don't want them falling apart in the washing machine like theirs do. Moving away from Umbro, will ensure that by this time next year, Celtic will have released three new strips. We are in danger of becoming the new Manchester United.
This week's poll asks, Aiden McGeady: Too Young or Regular Starter?