Given high prices and a lack of selection in the U.S., readers ask us periodically if we have plans to offer Newcastle United merchandise to the American market through the blog. We've been investigating ways we might accomplish that, and while we haven't quite figured it out, in the process we've learned that Puma is planning a maroon away kit and a fluorescent yellow (!) change kit for Newcastle next season.
On the surface this seems to be at odds with photos leaked a few weeks ago (before the sponsor switch to Virgin Money was finalized) by Football Shirts News in the U.K. Those photos featured purple-and-grey striped, black-and-white halved, and lime green alternate kits. But Football Shirts speculated in its article that the pictured alternates were goalkeeper and training kits, and in the background of the leaked photo of the home shirt (at right), a yellow kit appears to be hiding in the background. A commenter at Football Shirts also opined that a maroon kit would be appropriate for the 120th anniversary of the club - why that would be I'm not exactly sure, but perhaps a reader with a better grasp of NUFC history than me might comment below and elaborate.
We're not sure if the new sponsor would have any say over the design of the kits. But from what we're seeing and hearing, it's possible the leaked photos so far are accurate depictions of the home, keeper and training kits, save for the sponsor logos. With maroon and yellow on the horizon.
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I vote (like I have a vote) for the Newcastle blue and grey or the purple tops for the away kit and the black and white half/half (is that a quartered shirt) for change kit. The picture above (Mandatory disclaimer: assuming it is accurate) is interesting.
The collar looks good and in contrast to home kits from the last two seasons, this one has more white on shirt. It looks cleaner and lighter. Wonder if they will go with black or white shorts and socks. Given the differences in design this will be one worth adding to the collection.
One note: Despite my affection for our home kit, I wish that the squad would wear the away kit a bit more--only have used the orange kit during cup games, I think. Once in a while using it (say at WBA) would be nice.
Posted by: MnToonArmy9 | 03/02/2012 at 10:07 AM
They've apparently shelved that orange kit because the Virgin Money rebranding sticker doesn't work on it. That might go down as the least-used kit in Newcastle history.
Posted by: Bob | 03/02/2012 at 10:18 AM
Yeah...and I bought one...curses!
Posted by: MnToonArmy9 | 03/02/2012 at 11:23 AM
Just as long as they do away with the tan away GK kit. Krul looks naked out there!
Posted by: Toon Fan in MN | 03/02/2012 at 01:02 PM
Re the maroon connection - one of the club's very earliest strips was maroon and blue hoops. The club revived it as a second strip a few years ago.
Posted by: Bob | 03/02/2012 at 05:35 PM
i don't like the fact that they change the kits every year. yes i know it's all part of the money making business and what not but it's nice to see the classic shirts (i.e. the home kit with gold numbers and names when shearer was still player) or at least keep the away kits consistent.
it just ruins the prestige and legacy of the club (but that's not something new under current ownership)...that's my two cents. can't wait for the derby on sunday!
Posted by: Jaeger | 03/02/2012 at 09:11 PM
@Bob The least used kit in history is the Blue/Black striped one from their Championship season. I know this because I purchased one, and I think they wore it one in the cup then was promptly knocked out. Here is a picture of it.
http://www.football-shirts.co.uk/fans/newcastle-united-third-kit-200910_4686
Nice right! Should bring this one back.
Posted by: Phil | 04/25/2012 at 08:29 AM
Yes, Phil - I think that's a killer change kit. I like that it preserves the black-stripe motif. Who's that fat guy modeling it?
Posted by: Bob | 04/25/2012 at 04:11 PM