Cobblers forced to wear white against Fleetwood due to home kit delay

Cobblers chairman Kelvin Thomas admits it is hard to put his anger into words after delivery of the club's home kit was delayed again.
The new Nike Cobblers home shirt for the 2016/17 seasonThe new Nike Cobblers home shirt for the 2016/17 season
The new Nike Cobblers home shirt for the 2016/17 season

It means Rob Page’s men will have to wear their white Nike away kit for Saturday’s Sky Bet League One opener against Fleetwood Town at Sixfields.

The retail kit, supplied by Just Sport, was scheduled to arrive ready for the first home game on Saturday, however this has now been delayed due to port issues coming out of Antwerp and Rotterdam.

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And there is not enough home kit for the players to wear this weekend, adding to the anger of Thomas.

“We are so disappointed it is hard to really put into words,” the chairman said.

“There were a few reasons we made the decision that we did in terms of kit supplier and aside from the quality, the timing of supply was one of the main reasons for it and we have been really let down.

“Not only will there be a financial impact for the club, but also a reputational hit and, worst of all, fans will be disappointed.

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“We will be having further discussions with Just Sport and Nike about why and how this has happened, to get a firm date of delivery and to discuss next steps.

“We know that some of the supporters effected are those that pre-ordered the home shirt to take on their holidays next week.

“We love people representing Northampton Town while travelling the world and want that to continue, so we have agreed with Just Sport that anyone who has pre-ordered the shirt will receive a free Northampton Town t-shirt. These will be available for collection from noon on Friday.

“Just Sport understand that while this is appreciated, there is still no excuse for what has happened.

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“We were also expecting a small amount of playing kit for Saturday for the team, however we will not be getting the full order and therefore, following a discussion with Rob, we have taken the decision to wear our away kit against Fleetwood.

“What is important is nothing distracts us from Saturday’s game and to be worrying about what kit and which sizes are going to arrive is unacceptable and therefore a decision had to be made.

“There is also a part of me that feels if the fans haven’t got their home shirts then we don’t want to wear them either.

“We have received the relevant permissions from the Football League and informed both Fleetwood Town and Saturday’s referee.

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“We are planning on introducing our third kit, used for colour clashes, at the Barnsley game next week and it is inconceivable that our away kit and third kit will be available before our home kit, but there is nothing further we can do right now, so we have to move on and all the attention goes on to 3pm Saturday.

“Ticket sales are going really well, the players are ready and the game now has to become everyone’s main focus.”