Many West Ham fans were excited by reports of a potential switch from Umbro to Nike as the club’s official kit maker.
West Ham have been linked with sportswear giants Nike as the club’s kit manufacturer on several occasions in the recent past.
Indeed rumours were circulating that the Hammers may ditch Umbro for Nike this time last year.
West Ham were in the final season of a five-year deal with kit maker Umbro back in 2019 when it was renewed.
The firm had replaced fans’ favourites Adidas as the West Ham kit manufacturers.
Speculation from SAB meetings with West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady at the time suggested Umbro were set to be replaced by Nike for the 2020/21 season.
West Ham were linked with Nike switch
A deal was believed to have been struck with Nike. And that would have been a first for West Ham.
The Hammers have had kits made by Umbro, Adidas, Fila, Reebok, Macron, Pony and Admiral over the years but never Nike.
Last season speculation was circulating at West Ham that the partnership with Umbro would not be renewed. And unsubstantiated rumours were that West Ham could switch to Nike amid some confusion over when the deal with Umbro expired.
The Hammers remain with Umbro, though, who have produced a mixed bag of kits over the years, some more popular than others.
Many fans were disappointed when the rumours around Nike failed to materialise.
But suddenly Umbro doesn’t seem so bad after all for West Ham following those Nike links.
Nike widely criticised after flag change storm
Nike has seen its share price take a big hit after it’s hugely controversial decision to change the England flag on the national team’s kit.
The move, which saw the red St George’s cross changed to gradients of purple, has provoked widespread condemnation from journalists, pundits, fans and even the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Nike insist they were not virtue-signalling with the ‘playful update’. And some feel too much fuss is being made about the issue.
But there is no denying Nike’s reputation has taken a battering among many English football fans as a result.
So West Ham fans may now feel differently about having remained with Umbro.
No matter where you stand on the matter of the England flag, if the firm was so blase about changing such a crucial element of a kit then perhaps West Ham are better sticking with the devil they know?
Perhaps Hammers made wise choice sticking with Umbro
Yes Umbro has produced a few poor efforts down the years. The ‘You’ve been Tango’d’ orange and white third kit last season went down like a lead balloon among most supporters. But it has since become somewhat iconic after West Ham lifted their first major trophy in 43 years while wearing it in Prague.
In the summer of 2019 West Ham announced a renewal with Umbro – which made the club’s first ever replica kits – until the end of the 2022-2023 season.
Just a year later, though, West Ham made a new announcement ‘confirming a new long-term extension with Umbro which will see the global sportswear company remain as the Club’s Official Technical Partner’. Although it did not specify the end date for that deal.
It was then confirmed West Ham did have a break clause in the deal with Umbro and did explore other options.
But the Hammers elected to remain with Umbro in a deal worth over £7m per season.
That now seems like a pretty solid decision from the club.
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