South Shields FC unveil new kits after signing deal with Puma

The club, which is vying for promotion to the Evo-Stik Premier Division this season, has signed a three-year deal with sportswear giant Puma to wear the company's kit.

The upcoming campaign will be the Mariners' first using a new badge, which was unveiled earlier this year.

As ever, the club's home colours will be claret and blue, with white shorts and socks, while the away kit will be a white shirt with claret and blue arms, as well as claret shorts and socks.

The limited edition kit - which marks the 130th anniversary of the formation of the first South Shields Football Club - is sky blue, with navy blue socks.

Supporters will also be able to buy training wear, shorts and socks for the first time next season.

David Mitchell, the club's commercial director, said: "We are delighted to sign a long-term deal with Puma in conjunction with Genesis Teamwear.

"The club is now in a key position to attract the major kit providers in sport.

"We hadn’t planned to change kit providers this season, but due to the success of the team on the pitch, we were approached by over a dozen different companies wanting us to wear their kit.

"We wanted to find a supplier who would design and manufacturer our own bespoke kit.

"With the addition of the training wear, shorts and socks, the range of merchandise that the fans will be able to buy has increased dramatically.”

Initially, the new kits and training wear will be worn by the Mariners' first-team and academy, before it is phased in with the reserves, ladies and junior teams due to sponsorship commitments.

The replica kit will only be available through the club's online store and the shop at Mariners Park.

Russell Thomas, the head of sales at Genesis Teamwear, said: "Everyone at Genesis Teamwear is delighted to be working with South Shields as the club's supplier of PUMA technical kit and training wear during this fantastic period in the club's history.

"We look forward to playing a small part in the exciting journey ahead."

The kit will be available to pre-order from the end of April, with stock scheduled to arrive at the end of July.

The limited addition shirt will be delivered and available to buy in May, along with the range of training wear.