Umbro announced it will be the official technical kit supplier and sportswear partner for Everton Football Club from next season.
Everton will again wear the double diamond of Umbro from the 2014/15 season as part of a new five year partnership.
Umbro will produce all on-pitch and training product for the men's, women's and academy teams, as well as training apparel and sportswear for both the first team squad and fans.
Eleven Everton fans, selected by the Club, were invited to Umbro's UK headquarters today to be the first to hear the news from Everton manager Roberto Martinez. The supporters were also treated to an exclusive Q&A session with the Goodison Park boss.
Martinez said: “It was a great experience giving a number of our fans an exclusive opportunity to meet Umbro, to take them through the design process of the 2014/15 kit and, most importantly, be able to give them this news first.”
He added: “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 on the pitch.”
Umbro and Everton share a long and successful history together with the Club having worn the diamond brand in the 1970s, 80s, 90s and 00's,
The deal, which officially starts on June 1, 2014, will also see Umbro sponsor all of Everton's grassroots programmes.
Paul Nugent, VP of Global Marketing for Umbro, commented: “Everton is a club with the right character, personality and tradition so it's the perfect partner for Umbro. The prospect of working with a club that is as ambitious as we are is hugely exciting.
“Umbro celebrates its 90th birthday this year and, quite simply, no other brand shares our experience of making football kits. We appreciate the importance of kits to both players and fans. We are meticulous about creating both technical and stylish product for players to perform to their best in, and that fans are proud to wear.
“Everton fans can expect smart, modern and, importantly, unique kits next season.”
Everton's new home kit for the 2014/15 Premier League campaign will be launched in July and will be available for men, women, juniors, infants and babies.
Robert Elstone, Chief Executive Officer of Everton, said: “The Club is delighted to be entering into this new and exciting partnership and looks forward to working alongside the Umbro team over the next five years.
“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.
“Starting in 2014/15, supporters can expect bespoke kit designs and great-looking, technically advanced training wear. It was also really important that we could guarantee fans across all ages could show their colours with pride and, as Umbro's flagship club, all Evertonians can look forward to enjoying quality product over the term of the deal.”
