After narrowly missing out on a Premiership place, losing to QPR in the promotion play-off finals, Derby County will be optimistic about next season. Alongside their renewed optimism comes a new kit deal, announced today, that sees the Rams return to Manchester based Umbro.
Starting from the 2014/15 season Umbro will produce all on-pitch and training products for Derby County as part of a four year technical kit partnership, as well as sportswear for fans and players of the historic Midlands club.
Derby County, who's Championship fixtures were released yesterday, enjoyed the greatest era in their history wearing Umbro kits, winning league titles in 1972 and 1975 as well as reaching the semi-final of the European Cup in 1973.
Paul Nugent, VP of Global Marketing for Umbro, commented: “As one of the founding members of the Football League, Derby’s football heritage is unquestionable. We are celebrating 90 years in football so it’s great to welcome the Rams back into the Umbro family as they look for promotion to the Premier League. Derby has everything in place to return to the top flight – a youthful squad, a first class stadium as well as a loyal and passionate set of fans – so we are excited about the season ahead.”
John Vicar, Chief Operating Officer for Derby County, said: “Umbro is a leading global sports brand and we at Derby County are delighted to be associated with them once again. They are a brand that was synonymous with Club in the 1970s and the timing of the partnership is particularly poignant, as it is forty years since Derby embarked on their second Championship-winning League campaign."
Derby fan? What would you like to see from the new deal? Let us know in the comments below.