I appreciate that some, who are probably just sick of all the bickering among fans, have accepted the kit as it is. I too would probably just accept it, it looks great from the front and if there truly is a law saying that there has to be a plain back, then so be it.
This law was alluded to last season when we had our first Nike unveil, when part 1 of the fan moaning about the kit. It was then that Ian taylor said it was due to incoming regulations that the names and numbers must be clear. It was then TF who said that in the first year of being with Nike, we had to chose from the stock catalogue and that was that.
But here we are, without hoops again. Those who accept the shirt seem to be all prissy with those who don't like it, saying we should shut up and just support the club?
But my problem is that we do seem to be being lied to. There is no rule saying there must be a blank back, looking at teams such as Southampton and Sunderland's new kits, that much is clear, which also defeats the other argument that it was a premier league rule and the kit was designed for us in the Prem. Other teams in the championship have also released non solid back kits for this season, in keeping with their traditional identity.
I've heard some say it really doesn't matter, but it does. Having worked for many years in design and specifically corporate branding, I can tell you it is important to keep our identity, there is a reason we are known as the hoops. I know if you go back far enough, we didn't play in hoops, but for as long as most of us can remember we have. It is very important that a company, or as in this case club, have a very clear and structured idea on it's identity and ethos for itself, as we've seen the club is in a mess, this now seems to be highlighted by the confused kits and what seems to be lies being told to us as to why the new kits are like this.
Logo's, crests, logotypes were all developed so a company/team is easily identifiable, to stand out among the rest. It should stand for what the company is about.
We don't seem to know anymore.
I'm not saying that the shirt should be changed, although it really shouldn't have come to this in the first place, but I do want to hear some answers as to why it is the way it is, that's all. But on the face of it, someone has decided that this is how it should be, but who decided it would be a good idea. Because it's clearly out of touch with our true identity and it has clearly divided fans, again, at a time when the club should be falling over backwards to please the fans. I do appreciate that some are ok with it, but looking at the numbers I'd say you're in the minority. Accept the back change today, fine, but who's to say in a few years they change the front as well?
So if you're happy with it, then just say so. But please don't get on the backs of those who don't, you may find that there is a bigger problem going on that you thought.
