Everton have signed a five year deal with sportswear manufactures Umbro, manager Roberto Martinez has confirmed.
Umbro will take over the reigns from current manufactures Nike, with the American brand having their contract coming to an end at the conclusion of this current Premier League campaign.
Martinez announced the deal at a special supporter event at Finch Farm, Everton’s training complex.
The bubbly Spaniard was jubilant about the news surrounding the confirmed deal, and stated to the clubs official website….
“Everyone at the club is not only delighted, but excited, to be back wearing the Umbro diamond next season.”
I have been involved in a number of discussions with Umbro over the past few months in preparation for next season and their approach to quality, design and the technical aspects of the product is unique and I have no doubt it will help us to perform to our full potential.’
The Merseyside club have a long affiliation with the sportswear brand, wearing the strip from the 1970’s, right through to the 1990’s, as the club saw the majority of their success in the mid 1980’s whilst wearing Umbro attire, with players such as Peter Reid to Gary Speed donning the famous diamond jersey.
It will be the fourth occasion that Everton and Umbro have teamed up together in a kit partnership in recent years, after doing so from 1974-83, 1986-2000 and 2004-09.
Fellow sportsbrands Puma, Le Coq Sportif and Nike have all made kits for the Toffees over recent years, but the new Umbro deal will see Evertonians link up with an old favourite.
The deal will run until the end of the 2019/20 campaign, with Everton the only current club in the top flight sponsored by Umbro, in a sad state of affairs as the likes of Nile, Adidad, and Puma take over the Premier League with generic kit template’s.
Everton CEO Robert Elstone said: “Umbro has an unrivalled football heritage and is committed to maintaining its reputation for design excellence and innovation.
“Of course, we’re starting from a good place. Based on many years of working together, Umbro enjoys a great affinity with Evertonians.”
The deal is set to be worth up to £3 million, in another superb, smart move from Bill Kenwright.
The Toffees are most certainly still in the hunt for a Champions League spot, with Martinez’ men currently sitting in fifth in the Premier League table.
By Ben Reardon
@BenReardon1
