Are we about to witness the return of a classic Sunderland kit manufacturer

Thirty years since we last collaborated with them, there are strong rumours that next season’s kits will see some classic branding back on Wearside.

Replica kit availability has been a topic of contention about Sunderland’s retail business and marketing for some time now. This was especially evident during the recent Christmas season.

While it’s true that this well-liked design was marketed as “limited edition” when it was released earlier in the season, there have been other occasions when fans have been unable to obtain Sunderland shirts and have ended up spending their money elsewhere. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a number of young people were disappointed by the absence of a “volt” third strip underneath the tree.

Nonetheless, there appears to be a good chance that things will get better for 2024–2025, since reliable sources are optimistic that Hummel will rejoin the squad after a thirty-year break.

Given how well-liked their original templates were on Wearside in the 1990s and the years that followed, it would be the Danish company’s first time supplying kits during the Stadium of Light era, which would seem like a very positive development.

Currently, Nike is the primary manufacturer of the Lads and Lasses’ apparel, which is administered by their partner, the “Just Sport Group.” Earlier in the decade, Hummel ran into problems with a similar setup when their UK distributor, the “Elite Sports Group,” went under

Stock was first provided by an outpost in Enfield, Middlesex, when Hummel joined the squad in 1988. During certain preseason games, the team had to utilize some worn-out shirts and shorts. In light of this, it could be necessary to exercise caution because these more complex relationships may pose control challenges.

For instance, Nike does not currently offer several sizes that are seen in the club shop; therefore, they must be produced independently.

But it’s understood that this agreement would be made directly with Hummel’s headquarters in Aarhus, and if that’s the case, it would suggest a more customized product that would ease some of the annoyances. However, there’s also the chance that a third party may assume overall management of the club’s retail, which might come with its own set of challenges.

Previously, when it was removed from the premises by “Kitbag,” there were peculiar accounts of delays resulting from locally created and stored products needing to be shipped out for “checking,” only to be brought back and given to the club.

Nevertheless, if supporters are able to locate goods they would want on the shelves, they won’t be overly concerned about the arrangement.

Hummel would appeal to nostalgia, and with the rumors of past designs being revived and reintroduced, sales of them should be strong.

Fans really like their blue and mostly white changing shirts, but I myself thought there was something different about the two yellow alternatives.

Those appearances, similar to Patrick’s previously unpublished strip, would undoubtedly have a nostalgic vibe that would appeal to a wider range of age groups.

Less experimentation is possible with stripes, but Hummel’s initial work in that area was able to strike a compromise between adhering to tradition and exhibiting a little amount of variance.

Any sportswear company cannot please everyone, as is evident every time the subject of what kind of crest ought to be on upcoming new strips comes up.

The club emblem seems to be talked about more frequently than its retail counterpart. The discussion over the “ship crest” and whether it will soon be formally reintroduced has been rekindled by the possible reappearance of some nostalgic sensations.

The beloved shield insignia was replaced in 1997, but it has since gained popularity again for publicity and social media purposes. I can understand the arguments for both the 1997 replacement and the more recent “new” interpretation, which has actually been in use for a longer time, though I’m not sure how that one got to us.

Consequently, a “halfway house” that uses one for the home strip and another for the change or third choices would satisfy everyone.

The topic of the insignia reminds me of another discussion point and how it appears on shirts.

While hearing football fans argue about embroidery and the like can be strange, anyone who is in favor of “proper” crests being reinstated on shirts has probably never played five-a-side in an outdated uniform and then spent the next few days suffering from excruciating nipple rash.

Many players favor heat transfers and similar detailed techniques because they are more comfortable, despite other people’s fears that they are simply cheap-looking cost-cutting tactics. However, there are legitimate worries about the overall quality.

Anyone who purchases at “Total Sport” in Hendon is aware of how affordable Hummel equipment can be found during their sales, and that it’s ideal for lounging around the house or playing five-a-side games.

While some companies skimp on quality and manufacture items to the most basic specifications, Hummel will almost always feature zipper pockets, linings, and a high level of overall value. Fans may be willing to pay more for the extra Sunderland logo if their training gear is of a comparable caliber.

There are several quick victories for whoever produces Sunderland’s next set of stripes.

The obvious place to start would be with the goalkeeper’s version that goes with it, but if Hummel decides to take that route, they’d be in a good position to capitalize on the trend for throwback styles.

That’s supported by the success of the most recent Avec training reproductions, but the fact that the newest ranges are already cheaper despite selling so well could indicate that new suppliers will soon be announced.

Although Avec is the own brand of “Just Sport Group,” it would be helpful to obtain some clarification on what it will look like for those wearing red and white, given other parties have already disclosed details regarding kit supply contracts for the upcoming campaign.