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New England kit sparks fan row

Comment: 0 February 17th, 2012 by: admin

England will introduce its new home kit against Holland at the end of the month, after wearing their current strip for only eight games.

The report was not well-received by the squad’s supporters who were clearly upset because of the money they would have to spend in buying the new kit after already spending a significant amount for the old one.

England’s current kit was introduced at Wembley in September 2010 in a tie against Bulgaria and was worn throughout the Three Lions’ Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. The last time it was worn was in a 1-0 victory in a friendly against Sweden.

England’s kits have an 18-month cycle period which introduces a new strip ahead of any major tournament. Their blue away strip will not be replaced until 2013 but fans are said to already be unhappy with the introduction of the home kit which is priced at £45.

“The cost is a disgrace, but then changing it again after just eight games is a rip-off,” said Siobhan Freegard of Internet campaigners Netmums.

“It’s an insult to the family of fans who are the backbone of England’s supporters.”

Football Supporters Federation chairman Malcolm Clarke also said that “It’s an insult to the family of fans who are the backbone of England’s supporters.”

“Among adult supporters I don’t think there’s a great deal of status in [wearing the current replica outfit].

“The people I feel sorry for are the parents because kids are more concerned with getting the latest kit than the adults are.”

The FA responded by saying that the funds from the kits are put back into the game.

“The FA is a not-for-profit organisation that reinvests more than £100million every year, including more than £50million into grassroots football,” shared an FA spokesperson.

“The FA and Umbro have a longstanding partnership including investment at all levels of England teams and in St. George’s Park which opens this year.

“As a sportswear company with great history and expertise they are best placed to take decisions on kit cycle, and we support them in their long term strategy.”

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