Bristol City have confirmed a new multi-year kit partnership with Irish manufacturer O’Neills and unveiled a new home shirt which will be worn from Saturday's home game against Hull City, ending their relationship with Hummel after just two-and-a-half seasons.
The Robins signed a six-year extension with Hummel in March 2022 having pivoted to the Danish sportswear brand for the start of the 2020/21 campaign after previously producing their kits internally through Bristol Sport.
At the time, chairman Jon Lansdown said: "We’ve all been really pleased with how this partnership has grown. We’ve been able to deliver the most technically advanced kits in our history and have maintained our creative input every step of the way."
However, while the products and designs for the men’s and women’s team have proved popular the agreement has been beset with supply issues. Hummel's distributor, Elite Sports Group, went into administration towards the end of last year which caused stock issues for the Christmas period in the club shop, and the Robins have elected to terminate their contract.
O’Neills were founded in 1918 and have traditionally made kits for Gaelic football and rugby but have since branched out to included football in their portfolio, most notably producing kits for Wycombe Wanderers in League One.
“We’re delighted to announce the partnership with O’Neills to become our new kit supplier across our men’s, women’s, and academy teams," said City chairman Jon Lansdown.
“Their products are manufactured within the UK which is a rarity in the industry and a benefit from a sustainability point of view, as well as ensuring a strong supply chain of products for both our squad and supporters throughout the year.
“Our iconic kits are a key part of our history and identity, and we believe O’Neills will allow us to continue to pioneer our kit designs for years to come.”
City's new home shirt sees them back in red and white double pinstripes, harking back to the ‘Hirerite’ shirt from the 1989/90 campaign, and will be complimented with white shorts and red socks. It will be available for supporters to purchase online and in the club shop "before the end of the season" with a goalkeeper top and alternate kit also to be released.
Players will continue to wear Hummel training wear on a day-to-day basis but will switch to O'Neills on matchdays.
Bristol Sport Chief Commercial Officer, Sarah Farrar said: “We’re incredibly pleased to welcome O’Neills to our family of partners and we look forward to bringing our fans a range of new and exciting products.
“O’Neills has already demonstrated a great willingness and adaptability in the early stages of our relationship, which I firmly believe will continue to go from strength to strength.”
SIGN UP: For our daily Robins newsletter, bringing you the latest from Ashton Gate
READ NEXT
