The collapse of UK distributor for Hummel Elite Sports group, didn't look a major problem at the tail end of last year, but it seems that there are supply issues with Bristol City terminating their 6 year deal with the company.

Bristol City are reported to have terminated their contract with Hummel after 6 seasons after issues with the supply of kit, both replica and for the players. City had concerns about whether there would be enough kits available for players, which prompted the Championship side to terminate their Hummel deal, agree a new partnership with Irish firm O’Neills and start playing in what was due to be next season’s kit now.

Apparently although they will train in the old Hummel gear, the new kit is made by O'Neils.

Saints had had similar problems, but it seems being a Premier League club gave them an advantage over those clubs in the divisions below and although the supply of kit has been disrupted they have not run short, although the stock in the Saints mega store seem to be depleted.

But it seems that the club will stay with their deal with Hummel after the announcement that the Danish company had paired up with another ‘UK licence and rights holder’ that Hummel work called Sports Pro to ensure that the smooth supply of kit continues.

Saints signed a 5 year deal with Hummel in 2021, their second tie up with the manufacturer who previously produced the club's kit between 1987/1991.

So it seems that Saints are continuing with Hummel at least for the time being after being given assurances, however it is a little more complicated as Elite Sports Group also ran the Saints retail operation, when they collapsed that saw Saints stores and online sales being halted for a short period just before the lucrative Xmas period, although this was only temporary.

Whether this agreement is only temporary as a stop gap for Saints is unclear, certainly Saints supporters were not happy with this season's kit, the home kit had only a single red stripe on the front and is generally regarded as the worst ever home kit in the club's history having very little red in it and no historical relevance.

Indeed the away kit was not much better received especially as it seemed a re model of Newport Counties away kit the previous season.

However this cannot be blamed on Hummel alone, those in the Saints marketing department seem to be the villains of the piece who seemed to pay no attention to the club's traditions and colours.

Saints are one of 14 clubs in England from the Premier League to the National League who wear Hummel, Coventry City announced that they had signed a new deal with Elite Sports Group for three years, but it is unclear whether Saints have done that just yet.

The deal that the clubs in the UK had was not with Hummel directly, but the UK distributor, so presumably if we are to continue with Hummel we will have to sign up with Elite Sports Group as Coventry have done or follow Bristol City and find a new supplier, although this might be a little late to do now due to manufacturing deadlines.

Photo: Action Images via Reuters