Who designed the kit last night then?

[rowbeartoe]

"On Wednesday, March 13, around 200 Stoke City supporters will come together to help design the Club's home shirt for the 2025/26 season."

Any of the 200 who went on here?

[callas12]

Yep I was there with a few others off here.. Was more like approximately 50 or so than the 200 who were supposedly meant to be there though. 200 odd had replied to the club saying they'd be there but ¾ either couldn't make it, had forgotten or just didn't bother turning up.

Pity really as the club had laid loads of tea/coffee and soft drinks on for the expected 200.. & the bar was open & serving.

Nice to see Ryan Shawcross kicking the evening off and going back through some of his fave kits he graced us in during his lengthy time with us. It's amazing how popular the FA Cup Final adidas shirt was, due to the season we had and the 2x Wembley appearances it showcased us in!

Was good seeing how the processes to new kit designs are made and the various factors that are taken into consideration from season to season.

Early design stages were worked on last night, then we're back in June for the next stage where Macron (or new potential kit designers) reveal their ideas from the early design conclusions before decisions are made on which top gets voted on as the best for the 25/26 season to go into production.

It was mentioned that Talks are ongoing & whilst it's believed that Macron will continue in the current kit manufacturing role, it hasn't been signed off yet and an announcement will be made when all completed over the next few weeks. Albeit the 24/25 home kit has already been in the development stage for the last 12 months or so ready for an expected May/June release.

Stoke feature as one of Macrons elite club deals so apparently we'll always share the same designed keeper tops as Crystal Palace & Blackburn, just a variation on the colours of these tops.

Question was posed about the training gear colours/styles as well, & whether they should be colour coordinated to the the home/away kits or something completely unrelated which appeared to be the all round consensus.

Was a pleasant couple of hours and again another great example of the club liaising with the fan base on important decisions such as the new 25/26 home kit design. As the head of retail mentioned, it's the fans that purchase the tops, it's important we have a say in what they look like.

What was clear is that the fan base will always be torn on kit designs, & with so many permutations of it available, it's nigh on impossible to please everyone, all the time.

Stripe widths, collar v non collar, kits detailing, more red than white or white than red, stripes on rear or half stripes with a block on it through to totally plain backs etc etc. All decisions & factors that vary between person to person.

What it seems is the most usual outcome is that each season the club have tried to steer in a different direction to the seasons before design.

For example they aim to go more retro/classic one year, safe and steady the next with some subtle tweaks and then totally left-field like the one we've had this year with fair bit of black in the design.

We also discussed the favourite quote of 'there isn't really much you can do with red and white stripes is there'.. Well there is but the reality is we'd need to do what clubs like Southampton, Coventry, Palace & Luton do, by proper mixing up home shirt designs season on season which would definitely give a licence to be different, but on the other hand you'd no-doubt upset the traditionalists in the process.

Be interesting to see how the fan led kit design is accepted by the fans but it's pretty much a given that they'll be those who love it, & those who aren't as keen, guess that's purely the mystique of footy kits, always has been and always will be.

[s7oke]

Mar 14, 2024 3:08:51 GMT callas12 said:

Yep I was there with a few others off here.. Was more like approximately 50 or so than the 200 who were supposedly meant to be there though. 200 odd had replied to the club saying they'd be there but ¾ either couldn't make it, had forgotten or just didn't bother turning up.

Pity really as the club had laid loads of tea/coffee and soft drinks on for the expected 200.. & the bar was open & serving.

Nice to see Ryan Shawcross kicking the evening off and going back through some of his fave kits he graced us in during his lengthy time with us. It's amazing how popular the FA Cup Final adidas shirt was, due to the season we had and the 2x Wembley appearances it showcased us in!

Was good seeing how the processes to new kit designs are made and the various factors that are taken into consideration from season to season.

Early design stages were worked on last night, then we're back in June for the next stage where Macron (or new potential kit designers) reveal their ideas from the early design conclusions before decisions are made on which top gets voted on as the best for the 25/26 season to go into production.

It was mentioned that Talks are ongoing & whilst it's believed that Macron will continue in the current kit manufacturing role, it hasn't been signed off yet and an announcement will be made when all completed over the next few weeks. Albeit the 24/25 home kit has already been in the development stage for the last 12 months or so ready for an expected May/June release.

Stoke feature as one of Macrons elite club deals so apparently we'll always share the same designed keeper tops as Crystal Palace & Blackburn, just a variation on the colours of these tops.

Question was posed about the training gear colours/styles as well, & whether they should be colour coordinated to the the home/away kits or something completely unrelated which appeared to be the all round consensus.

Was a pleasant couple of hours and again another great example of the club liaising with the fan base on important decisions such as the new 25/26 home kit design. As the head of retail mentioned, it's the fans that purchase the tops, it's important we have a say in what they look like.

What was clear is that the fan base will always be torn on kit designs, & with so many permutations of it available, it's nigh on impossible to please everyone, all the time.

Stripe widths, collar v non collar, kits detailing, more red than white or white than red, stripes on rear or half stripes with a block on it through to totally plain backs etc etc. All decisions & factors that vary between person to person.

What it seems is the most usual outcome is that each season the club have tried to steer in a different direction to the seasons before design.

For example they aim to go more retro/classic one year, safe and steady the next with some subtle tweaks and then totally left-field like the one we've had this year with fair bit of black in the design.

We also discussed the favourite quote of 'there isn't really much you can do with red and white stripes is there'.. Well there is but the reality is we'd need to do what clubs like Southampton, Coventry, Palace & Luton do, by proper mixing up home shirt designs season on season which would definitely give a licence to be different, but on the other hand you'd no-doubt upset the traditionalists in the process.

Be interesting to see how the fan led kit design is accepted by the fans but it's pretty much a given that they'll be those who love it, & those who aren't as keen, guess that's purely the mystique of footy kits, always has been and always will be.

Bloody hell Callas
That’s quite an in-depth book that you have written 😁
Yes I was there and couldn’t have put it better 😂😂
The age old patch on the back was discussed too as you put above 👍
And once again well done by the club and all those who attended
It’s nice to be involved

[a]

Was anyone who preferred a blank back panel flogged then fired out of a cannon?

[Bojan Mackey]

Please fuck Macron off, they’re cursed.

[callas12]

Mar 14, 2024 7:47:24 GMT Bojan Mackey said:

Please fuck Macron off, they’re cursed.

That was discussed as well, amongst ourselves more so! I've always thought the Macron curse has hampered us.

Ultimately I guess Macron offer Stoke the best deal on the table out of the competitors, & so far as our time with them go, Stoke are invariably one of the first league clubs to release their new kits in the Spring/Summertime & the kits have always been very bespoke & unique to SCFC, which was always one of Adidas's biggest complaints as they always produced Stoke identikits.

Swings and roundabouts I guess, but sadly our kit manufacturer isn't something fans will ever get a look in or be able to negotiate on 🙄😬

[Malcolm Clarke]

Mar 14, 2024 3:08:51 GMT callas12 said:

Yep I was there with a few others off here.. Was more like approximately 50 or so than the 200 who were supposedly meant to be there though. 200 odd had replied to the club saying they'd be there but ¾ either couldn't make it, had forgotten or just didn't bother turning up.

Pity really as the club had laid loads of tea/coffee and soft drinks on for the expected 200.. & the bar was open & serving.

Nice to see Ryan Shawcross kicking the evening off and going back through some of his fave kits he graced us in during his lengthy time with us. It's amazing how popular the FA Cup Final adidas shirt was, due to the season we had and the 2x Wembley appearances it showcased us in!

Was good seeing how the processes to new kit designs are made and the various factors that are taken into consideration from season to season.

Early design stages were worked on last night, then we're back in June for the next stage where Macron (or new potential kit designers) reveal their ideas from the early design conclusions before decisions are made on which top gets voted on as the best for the 25/26 season to go into production.

It was mentioned that Talks are ongoing & whilst it's believed that Macron will continue in the current kit manufacturing role, it hasn't been signed off yet and an announcement will be made when all completed over the next few weeks. Albeit the 24/25 home kit has already been in the development stage for the last 12 months or so ready for an expected May/June release.

Stoke feature as one of Macrons elite club deals so apparently we'll always share the same designed keeper tops as Crystal Palace & Blackburn, just a variation on the colours of these tops.

Question was posed about the training gear colours/styles as well, & whether they should be colour coordinated to the the home/away kits or something completely unrelated which appeared to be the all round consensus.

Was a pleasant couple of hours and again another great example of the club liaising with the fan base on important decisions such as the new 25/26 home kit design. As the head of retail mentioned, it's the fans that purchase the tops, it's important we have a say in what they look like.

What was clear is that the fan base will always be torn on kit designs, & with so many permutations of it available, it's nigh on impossible to please everyone, all the time.

Stripe widths, collar v non collar, kits detailing, more red than white or white than red, stripes on rear or half stripes with a block on it through to totally plain backs etc etc. All decisions & factors that vary between person to person.

What it seems is the most usual outcome is that each season the club have tried to steer in a different direction to the seasons before design.

For example they aim to go more retro/classic one year, safe and steady the next with some subtle tweaks and then totally left-field like the one we've had this year with fair bit of black in the design.

We also discussed the favourite quote of 'there isn't really much you can do with red and white stripes is there'.. Well there is but the reality is we'd need to do what clubs like Southampton, Coventry, Palace & Luton do, by proper mixing up home shirt designs season on season which would definitely give a licence to be different, but on the other hand you'd no-doubt upset the traditionalists in the process.

Be interesting to see how the fan led kit design is accepted by the fans but it's pretty much a given that they'll be those who love it, & those who aren't as keen, guess that's purely the mystique of footy kits, always has been and always will be.

I was there because this was the first of the new Fan Assemblies and I thought the Club ought to supported and it turned out to be more interesting than I expected. I can't add much to callas' comprehensive report ( written at 3am ?? - beyond the call of duty that, Callas ). The Club had done a lot of prep for the meeting and planned it very well.

Having Ryan there added some interest. It was interesting that he judges whether he likes particular kits by his memories of how well the team did when he was wearing them. He said that Aguero had refused to swop shirts with him " because you kicked me"

It was disappointing that 3/4 of those who had registered didn't show, given that the Club had closed registrations, so there may have been some who wanted to go but couldn't.

Every day is a school day. I always understood that the reason we sometimes wear the change kit for away games when there isn't a colour clash was down to contracts with the suppliers about a minimum number of times worn by the team, but when I asked about that we learned that isn't the case - there is no such requirement and it's always a football decision ( although the retail manager admitted that he likes the change kit to be worn to help sales). But the referee has to approve the kits worn and sometimes they are very 'picky' about even very small colour clashes on the sleeves or socks for example. In one away game this season the ref insisted on the day that the team changed kit from the one planned.

It was also interesting that the change kit at Stoke sells almost as many as the main kit, unlike most clubs. Is that because red and white stripes is a less attractive wear for non-match days than other designs and colours ?

[Linx]

I am definitely on the traditionalist side of the spectrum. As long as we don’t go the way of Southampton and Palace, though, I’d settle for any design if it kept the stripes. Partly this is because I still wake up in cold sweats at the memory of the Holocaust Season, the last time we abandoned our traditional design features of stripes and white shorts. But equally crap were those Adidas kits, which in a Fordian way said you can have any colours you like, as long as it’s in this prescribed style, the same as every other club we supply. At least Macron aim to give us a unique design.

[36dd]

I can echo what Callas & Malcolm have said.

It was interesting to see the process of how the kits are designed and produced, which start a good 14 months before release.

Items discussed was collar type, whether a badge or statement be added on the back & even the idea of some shirts that have a different look to them. Such as Athletico Madrid’s shirt from a couple of seasons ago.

The process is then sent to the manufacturer and will produce some designs which will then go to a vote.

The thing is that whatever comes out of this fan interaction, there will be opinions.

[mozalini]

At the meeting, did any one bring up a change of badge?

[Bera’s Beano]

Mar 14, 2024 9:10:38 GMT Malcolm Clarke said:

Mar 14, 2024 3:08:51 GMT callas12 said:

Yep I was there with a few others off here.. Was more like approximately 50 or so than the 200 who were supposedly meant to be there though. 200 odd had replied to the club saying they'd be there but ¾ either couldn't make it, had forgotten or just didn't bother turning up.

Pity really as the club had laid loads of tea/coffee and soft drinks on for the expected 200.. & the bar was open & serving.

Nice to see Ryan Shawcross kicking the evening off and going back through some of his fave kits he graced us in during his lengthy time with us. It's amazing how popular the FA Cup Final adidas shirt was, due to the season we had and the 2x Wembley appearances it showcased us in!

Was good seeing how the processes to new kit designs are made and the various factors that are taken into consideration from season to season.

Early design stages were worked on last night, then we're back in June for the next stage where Macron (or new potential kit designers) reveal their ideas from the early design conclusions before decisions are made on which top gets voted on as the best for the 25/26 season to go into production.

It was mentioned that Talks are ongoing & whilst it's believed that Macron will continue in the current kit manufacturing role, it hasn't been signed off yet and an announcement will be made when all completed over the next few weeks. Albeit the 24/25 home kit has already been in the development stage for the last 12 months or so ready for an expected May/June release.

Stoke feature as one of Macrons elite club deals so apparently we'll always share the same designed keeper tops as Crystal Palace & Blackburn, just a variation on the colours of these tops.

Question was posed about the training gear colours/styles as well, & whether they should be colour coordinated to the the home/away kits or something completely unrelated which appeared to be the all round consensus.

Was a pleasant couple of hours and again another great example of the club liaising with the fan base on important decisions such as the new 25/26 home kit design. As the head of retail mentioned, it's the fans that purchase the tops, it's important we have a say in what they look like.

What was clear is that the fan base will always be torn on kit designs, & with so many permutations of it available, it's nigh on impossible to please everyone, all the time.

Stripe widths, collar v non collar, kits detailing, more red than white or white than red, stripes on rear or half stripes with a block on it through to totally plain backs etc etc. All decisions & factors that vary between person to person.

What it seems is the most usual outcome is that each season the club have tried to steer in a different direction to the seasons before design.

For example they aim to go more retro/classic one year, safe and steady the next with some subtle tweaks and then totally left-field like the one we've had this year with fair bit of black in the design.

We also discussed the favourite quote of 'there isn't really much you can do with red and white stripes is there'.. Well there is but the reality is we'd need to do what clubs like Southampton, Coventry, Palace & Luton do, by proper mixing up home shirt designs season on season which would definitely give a licence to be different, but on the other hand you'd no-doubt upset the traditionalists in the process.

Be interesting to see how the fan led kit design is accepted by the fans but it's pretty much a given that they'll be those who love it, & those who aren't as keen, guess that's purely the mystique of footy kits, always has been and always will be.

I was there because this was the first of the new Fan Assemblies and I thought the Club ought to supported and it turned out to be more interesting than I expected. I can't add much to callas' comprehensive report ( written at 3am ?? - beyond the call of duty that, Callas ). The Club had done a lot of prep for the meeting and planned it very well.

Having Ryan there added some interest. It was interesting that he judges whether he likes particular kits by his memories of how well the team did when he was wearing them. He said that Aguero had refused to swop shirts with him " because you kicked me"

It was disappointing that 3/4 of those who had registered didn't show, given that the Club had closed registrations, so there may have been some who wanted to go but couldn't.

Every day is a school day. I always understood that the reason we sometimes wear the change kit for away games when there isn't a colour clash was down to contracts with the suppliers about a minimum number of times worn by the team, but when I asked about that we learned that isn't the case - there is no such requirement and it's always a football decision ( although the retail manager admitted that he likes the change kit to be worn to help sales). But the referee has to approve the kits worn and sometimes they are very 'picky' about even very small colour clashes on the sleeves or socks for example. In one away game this season the ref insisted on the day that the team changed kit from the one planned.

It was also interesting that the change kit at Stoke sells almost as many as the main kit, unlike most clubs. Is that because red and white stripes is a less attractive wear for non-match days than other designs and colours ?

Yeah I was hoping to go but didn't get into the original 200, really frustrating that the club engage with the fans in such a way and then basically have it shown the they don't care enough to bother.

It was a fantastic gesture from the club to put the evening on and include fans in the process. Well done to everyone who did go and hopefully you put some of the points across that fans pick up every season. I like Macron, we're just awful when wearing it

[36dd]

Mar 14, 2024 10:16:09 GMT mozalini said:

At the meeting, did any one bring up a change of badge?

It was discussed and will be looked at again in the future but not right now, to change the logo would be a costly exercise for the club.

[danceswithclams]

Mar 14, 2024 3:08:51 GMT callas12 said:

Yep I was there with a few others off here.. Was more like approximately 50 or so than the 200 who were supposedly meant to be there though. 200 odd had replied to the club saying they'd be there but ¾ either couldn't make it, had forgotten or just didn't bother turning up.

Pity really as the club had laid loads of tea/coffee and soft drinks on for the expected 200.. & the bar was open & serving.

Nice to see Ryan Shawcross kicking the evening off and going back through some of his fave kits he graced us in during his lengthy time with us. It's amazing how popular the FA Cup Final adidas shirt was, due to the season we had and the 2x Wembley appearances it showcased us in!

Was good seeing how the processes to new kit designs are made and the various factors that are taken into consideration from season to season.

Early design stages were worked on last night, then we're back in June for the next stage where Macron (or new potential kit designers) reveal their ideas from the early design conclusions before decisions are made on which top gets voted on as the best for the 25/26 season to go into production.

It was mentioned that Talks are ongoing & whilst it's believed that Macron will continue in the current kit manufacturing role, it hasn't been signed off yet and an announcement will be made when all completed over the next few weeks. Albeit the 24/25 home kit has already been in the development stage for the last 12 months or so ready for an expected May/June release.

Stoke feature as one of Macrons elite club deals so apparently we'll always share the same designed keeper tops as Crystal Palace & Blackburn, just a variation on the colours of these tops.

Question was posed about the training gear colours/styles as well, & whether they should be colour coordinated to the the home/away kits or something completely unrelated which appeared to be the all round consensus.

Was a pleasant couple of hours and again another great example of the club liaising with the fan base on important decisions such as the new 25/26 home kit design. As the head of retail mentioned, it's the fans that purchase the tops, it's important we have a say in what they look like.

What was clear is that the fan base will always be torn on kit designs, & with so many permutations of it available, it's nigh on impossible to please everyone, all the time.

Stripe widths, collar v non collar, kits detailing, more red than white or white than red, stripes on rear or half stripes with a block on it through to totally plain backs etc etc. All decisions & factors that vary between person to person.

What it seems is the most usual outcome is that each season the club have tried to steer in a different direction to the seasons before design.

For example they aim to go more retro/classic one year, safe and steady the next with some subtle tweaks and then totally left-field like the one we've had this year with fair bit of black in the design.

We also discussed the favourite quote of 'there isn't really much you can do with red and white stripes is there'.. Well there is but the reality is we'd need to do what clubs like Southampton, Coventry, Palace & Luton do, by proper mixing up home shirt designs season on season which would definitely give a licence to be different, but on the other hand you'd no-doubt upset the traditionalists in the process.

Be interesting to see how the fan led kit design is accepted by the fans but it's pretty much a given that they'll be those who love it, & those who aren't as keen, guess that's purely the mystique of footy kits, always has been and always will be.

WILL IT BE SPONSORED BY NIGDÉ?

[Malcolm Clarke]

Mar 14, 2024 10:16:09 GMT mozalini said:

At the meeting, did any one bring up a change of badge?

Yes, and surprisingly, and encouragingly (for me at least) Simon King didn't rule it out for the future, although it would be a costly rebranding. I liked the City Council crest as a badge, we won the League Cup with it, and the motto means "unity is strength" doesn't it ?, which is the SJW message.

The FA have now introduced new regulations on badge changes. They have to get FA approval which will only be given if a club can provide evidence of fan consultation, which is a step forward. Aston Villa have recently hit that problem. And it will be part of the heritage protection responsibilities of the new regulator. Had all this been in place at the time, Stoke City wouldn't have been able to just drop the City coat of arms for the current badge in the way that they did.

[callas12]

Mar 14, 2024 10:57:08 GMT danceswithclams said:

Mar 14, 2024 3:08:51 GMT callas12 said:

Yep I was there with a few others off here.. Was more like approximately 50 or so than the 200 who were supposedly meant to be there though. 200 odd had replied to the club saying they'd be there but ¾ either couldn't make it, had forgotten or just didn't bother turning up.

Pity really as the club had laid loads of tea/coffee and soft drinks on for the expected 200.. & the bar was open & serving.

Nice to see Ryan Shawcross kicking the evening off and going back through some of his fave kits he graced us in during his lengthy time with us. It's amazing how popular the FA Cup Final adidas shirt was, due to the season we had and the 2x Wembley appearances it showcased us in!

Was good seeing how the processes to new kit designs are made and the various factors that are taken into consideration from season to season.

Early design stages were worked on last night, then we're back in June for the next stage where Macron (or new potential kit designers) reveal their ideas from the early design conclusions before decisions are made on which top gets voted on as the best for the 25/26 season to go into production.

It was mentioned that Talks are ongoing & whilst it's believed that Macron will continue in the current kit manufacturing role, it hasn't been signed off yet and an announcement will be made when all completed over the next few weeks. Albeit the 24/25 home kit has already been in the development stage for the last 12 months or so ready for an expected May/June release.

Stoke feature as one of Macrons elite club deals so apparently we'll always share the same designed keeper tops as Crystal Palace & Blackburn, just a variation on the colours of these tops.

Question was posed about the training gear colours/styles as well, & whether they should be colour coordinated to the the home/away kits or something completely unrelated which appeared to be the all round consensus.

Was a pleasant couple of hours and again another great example of the club liaising with the fan base on important decisions such as the new 25/26 home kit design. As the head of retail mentioned, it's the fans that purchase the tops, it's important we have a say in what they look like.

What was clear is that the fan base will always be torn on kit designs, & with so many permutations of it available, it's nigh on impossible to please everyone, all the time.

Stripe widths, collar v non collar, kits detailing, more red than white or white than red, stripes on rear or half stripes with a block on it through to totally plain backs etc etc. All decisions & factors that vary between person to person.

What it seems is the most usual outcome is that each season the club have tried to steer in a different direction to the seasons before design.

For example they aim to go more retro/classic one year, safe and steady the next with some subtle tweaks and then totally left-field like the one we've had this year with fair bit of black in the design.

We also discussed the favourite quote of 'there isn't really much you can do with red and white stripes is there'.. Well there is but the reality is we'd need to do what clubs like Southampton, Coventry, Palace & Luton do, by proper mixing up home shirt designs season on season which would definitely give a licence to be different, but on the other hand you'd no-doubt upset the traditionalists in the process.

Be interesting to see how the fan led kit design is accepted by the fans but it's pretty much a given that they'll be those who love it, & those who aren't as keen, guess that's purely the mystique of footy kits, always has been and always will be.

WILL IT BE SPONSORED BY NIGDÉ?

TBC 🤫😉🤣

[clintonbaptiste]

As much as I loved the old crest as it represents the city's coat of arms it is a bit 'too busy' from a marketing perspective and old fashioned. The current crest is easier to work with I'd imagine although I'm no graphic designer. The one thing I'd like to see us lose is the Blue in the current design as that was orignally to represent the Icelanders.

[lordb]

Mar 14, 2024 11:07:38 GMT clintonbaptiste said:

As much as I loved the old crest as it represents the city's coat of arms it is a bit 'too busy' from a marketing perspective and old fashioned. The current crest is easier to work with I'd imagine although I'm no graphic designer. The one thing I'd like to see us lose is the Blue in the current design as that was orignally to represent the Icelanders.

For the umpteenth time no it wasn’t

[callas12]

Mar 14, 2024 9:10:38 GMT Malcolm Clarke said:

Mar 14, 2024 3:08:51 GMT callas12 said:

Yep I was there with a few others off here.. Was more like approximately 50 or so than the 200 who were supposedly meant to be there though. 200 odd had replied to the club saying they'd be there but ¾ either couldn't make it, had forgotten or just didn't bother turning up.

Pity really as the club had laid loads of tea/coffee and soft drinks on for the expected 200.. & the bar was open & serving.

Nice to see Ryan Shawcross kicking the evening off and going back through some of his fave kits he graced us in during his lengthy time with us. It's amazing how popular the FA Cup Final adidas shirt was, due to the season we had and the 2x Wembley appearances it showcased us in!

Was good seeing how the processes to new kit designs are made and the various factors that are taken into consideration from season to season.

Early design stages were worked on last night, then we're back in June for the next stage where Macron (or new potential kit designers) reveal their ideas from the early design conclusions before decisions are made on which top gets voted on as the best for the 25/26 season to go into production.

It was mentioned that Talks are ongoing & whilst it's believed that Macron will continue in the current kit manufacturing role, it hasn't been signed off yet and an announcement will be made when all completed over the next few weeks. Albeit the 24/25 home kit has already been in the development stage for the last 12 months or so ready for an expected May/June release.

Stoke feature as one of Macrons elite club deals so apparently we'll always share the same designed keeper tops as Crystal Palace & Blackburn, just a variation on the colours of these tops.

Question was posed about the training gear colours/styles as well, & whether they should be colour coordinated to the the home/away kits or something completely unrelated which appeared to be the all round consensus.

Was a pleasant couple of hours and again another great example of the club liaising with the fan base on important decisions such as the new 25/26 home kit design. As the head of retail mentioned, it's the fans that purchase the tops, it's important we have a say in what they look like.

What was clear is that the fan base will always be torn on kit designs, & with so many permutations of it available, it's nigh on impossible to please everyone, all the time.

Stripe widths, collar v non collar, kits detailing, more red than white or white than red, stripes on rear or half stripes with a block on it through to totally plain backs etc etc. All decisions & factors that vary between person to person.

What it seems is the most usual outcome is that each season the club have tried to steer in a different direction to the seasons before design.

For example they aim to go more retro/classic one year, safe and steady the next with some subtle tweaks and then totally left-field like the one we've had this year with fair bit of black in the design.

We also discussed the favourite quote of 'there isn't really much you can do with red and white stripes is there'.. Well there is but the reality is we'd need to do what clubs like Southampton, Coventry, Palace & Luton do, by proper mixing up home shirt designs season on season which would definitely give a licence to be different, but on the other hand you'd no-doubt upset the traditionalists in the process.

Be interesting to see how the fan led kit design is accepted by the fans but it's pretty much a given that they'll be those who love it, & those who aren't as keen, guess that's purely the mystique of footy kits, always has been and always will be.

I was there because this was the first of the new Fan Assemblies and I thought the Club ought to supported and it turned out to be more interesting than I expected. I can't add much to callas' comprehensive report ( written at 3am ?? - beyond the call of duty that, Callas ). The Club had done a lot of prep for the meeting and planned it very well.

Having Ryan there added some interest. It was interesting that he judges whether he likes particular kits by his memories of how well the team did when he was wearing them. He said that Aguero had refused to swop shirts with him " because you kicked me"

It was disappointing that 3/4 of those who had registered didn't show, given that the Club had closed registrations, so there may have been some who wanted to go but couldn't.

Every day is a school day. I always understood that the reason we sometimes wear the change kit for away games when there isn't a colour clash was down to contracts with the suppliers about a minimum number of times worn by the team, but when I asked about that we learned that isn't the case - there is no such requirement and it's always a football decision ( although the retail manager admitted that he likes the change kit to be worn to help sales). But the referee has to approve the kits worn and sometimes they are very 'picky' about even very small colour clashes on the sleeves or socks for example. In one away game this season the ref insisted on the day that the team changed kit from the one planned.

It was also interesting that the change kit at Stoke sells almost as many as the main kit, unlike most clubs. Is that because red and white stripes is a less attractive wear for non-match days than other designs and colours ?

Cheers Malcolm, years of working night shifts has meant I'm always bit of a night owl. Once I start writing about something it just generally flows & before I know it I've written as essay 😉🤣.

Was off to 💤's straight afterwards though 😁

[Not_Nick_H]

Mar 14, 2024 11:07:38 GMT clintonbaptiste said:

As much as I loved the old crest as it represents the city's coat of arms it is a bit 'too busy' from a marketing perspective and old fashioned. The current crest is easier to work with I'd imagine although I'm no graphic designer. The one thing I'd like to see us lose is the Blue in the current design as that was orignally to represent the Icelanders.

This.

The only old badge I'd bring back is the "80's" one - Kiln, Knot, SCFC. I don't mind the blue on the current one. (Puts tin hat on).

I also attended last night - interesting session and hopefully something constructive and positive comes out of it. Chatting to Simon King, he said the next consultation session is around the standing/awayfans move in the South Stand.

[Linx]

Mar 14, 2024 10:58:35 GMT Malcolm Clarke said:

Mar 14, 2024 10:16:09 GMT mozalini said:

At the meeting, did any one bring up a change of badge?

Yes, and surprisingly, and encouragingly (for me at least) Simon King didn't rule it out for the future, although it would be a costly rebranding. I liked the City Council crest as a badge, we won the League Cup with it, and the motto means "unity is strength" doesn't it ?, which is the SJW message.

The FA have now introduced new regulations on badge changes. They have to get FA approval which will only be given if a club can provide evidence of fan consultation, which is a step forward. Aston Villa have recently hit that problem. And it will be part of the heritage protection responsibilities of the new regulator. Had all this been in place at the time, Stoke City wouldn't have been able to just drop the City coat of arms for the current badge in the way that they did.

One of the reasons for the change of badge given at the time was that it would translate better digitally, rather than the complex crests used before. Doesn’t seem to have stopped Burnley, Huddersfield, etc., keeping their traditional and ornate heraldic style badges, though, and digital technology has moved on. Surely something like the 80s quartered scheme would be okay, more of a link with our past and our heritage, but simple enough to translate across various media. Just less of the gold. Better than this anodyne excuse for a club badge we have now.

[clintonbaptiste]

Mar 14, 2024 11:08:46 GMT lordb said:

Mar 14, 2024 11:07:38 GMT clintonbaptiste said:

As much as I loved the old crest as it represents the city's coat of arms it is a bit 'too busy' from a marketing perspective and old fashioned. The current crest is easier to work with I'd imagine although I'm no graphic designer. The one thing I'd like to see us lose is the Blue in the current design as that was orignally to represent the Icelanders.

For the umpteenth time no it wasn’t

Regardless of why, Blue aint Stoke City, fuck it off.

[s7oke]

Mar 14, 2024 12:18:41 GMT clintonbaptiste said:

Mar 14, 2024 11:08:46 GMT lordb said:

For the umpteenth time no it wasn’t

Regardless of why, Blue aint Stoke City, fuck it off.

You could have told them that last night if you had attended

[36dd]

Mar 14, 2024 11:59:11 GMT Not_Nick_H said:

Mar 14, 2024 11:07:38 GMT clintonbaptiste said:

As much as I loved the old crest as it represents the city's coat of arms it is a bit 'too busy' from a marketing perspective and old fashioned. The current crest is easier to work with I'd imagine although I'm no graphic designer. The one thing I'd like to see us lose is the Blue in the current design as that was orignally to represent the Icelanders.

This.

The only old badge I'd bring back is the "80's" one - Kiln, Knot, SCFC. I don't mind the blue on the current one. (Puts tin hat on).

I also attended last night - interesting session and hopefully something constructive and positive comes out of it. Chatting to Simon King, he said the next consultation session is around the standing/awayfans move in the South Stand.

I put a suggestion that badge be added to the back of the shirt like last seasons white strip

[werrington]

White collar, white cuffs, white shorts and white socks

That’s Stoke City

[Vadiation_Ribe]

Mar 14, 2024 9:10:38 GMT Malcolm Clarke said:

Mar 14, 2024 3:08:51 GMT callas12 said:

Yep I was there with a few others off here.. Was more like approximately 50 or so than the 200 who were supposedly meant to be there though. 200 odd had replied to the club saying they'd be there but ¾ either couldn't make it, had forgotten or just didn't bother turning up.

Pity really as the club had laid loads of tea/coffee and soft drinks on for the expected 200.. & the bar was open & serving.

Nice to see Ryan Shawcross kicking the evening off and going back through some of his fave kits he graced us in during his lengthy time with us. It's amazing how popular the FA Cup Final adidas shirt was, due to the season we had and the 2x Wembley appearances it showcased us in!

Was good seeing how the processes to new kit designs are made and the various factors that are taken into consideration from season to season.

Early design stages were worked on last night, then we're back in June for the next stage where Macron (or new potential kit designers) reveal their ideas from the early design conclusions before decisions are made on which top gets voted on as the best for the 25/26 season to go into production.

It was mentioned that Talks are ongoing & whilst it's believed that Macron will continue in the current kit manufacturing role, it hasn't been signed off yet and an announcement will be made when all completed over the next few weeks. Albeit the 24/25 home kit has already been in the development stage for the last 12 months or so ready for an expected May/June release.

Stoke feature as one of Macrons elite club deals so apparently we'll always share the same designed keeper tops as Crystal Palace & Blackburn, just a variation on the colours of these tops.

Question was posed about the training gear colours/styles as well, & whether they should be colour coordinated to the the home/away kits or something completely unrelated which appeared to be the all round consensus.

Was a pleasant couple of hours and again another great example of the club liaising with the fan base on important decisions such as the new 25/26 home kit design. As the head of retail mentioned, it's the fans that purchase the tops, it's important we have a say in what they look like.

What was clear is that the fan base will always be torn on kit designs, & with so many permutations of it available, it's nigh on impossible to please everyone, all the time.

Stripe widths, collar v non collar, kits detailing, more red than white or white than red, stripes on rear or half stripes with a block on it through to totally plain backs etc etc. All decisions & factors that vary between person to person.

What it seems is the most usual outcome is that each season the club have tried to steer in a different direction to the seasons before design.

For example they aim to go more retro/classic one year, safe and steady the next with some subtle tweaks and then totally left-field like the one we've had this year with fair bit of black in the design.

We also discussed the favourite quote of 'there isn't really much you can do with red and white stripes is there'.. Well there is but the reality is we'd need to do what clubs like Southampton, Coventry, Palace & Luton do, by proper mixing up home shirt designs season on season which would definitely give a licence to be different, but on the other hand you'd no-doubt upset the traditionalists in the process.

Be interesting to see how the fan led kit design is accepted by the fans but it's pretty much a given that they'll be those who love it, & those who aren't as keen, guess that's purely the mystique of footy kits, always has been and always will be.

I was there because this was the first of the new Fan Assemblies and I thought the Club ought to supported and it turned out to be more interesting than I expected. I can't add much to callas' comprehensive report ( written at 3am ?? - beyond the call of duty that, Callas ). The Club had done a lot of prep for the meeting and planned it very well.

Having Ryan there added some interest. It was interesting that he judges whether he likes particular kits by his memories of how well the team did when he was wearing them. He said that Aguero had refused to swop shirts with him " because you kicked me"

It was disappointing that 3/4 of those who had registered didn't show, given that the Club had closed registrations, so there may have been some who wanted to go but couldn't.

Every day is a school day. I always understood that the reason we sometimes wear the change kit for away games when there isn't a colour clash was down to contracts with the suppliers about a minimum number of times worn by the team, but when I asked about that we learned that isn't the case - there is no such requirement and it's always a football decision ( although the retail manager admitted that he likes the change kit to be worn to help sales). But the referee has to approve the kits worn and sometimes they are very 'picky' about even very small colour clashes on the sleeves or socks for example. In one away game this season the ref insisted on the day that the team changed kit from the one planned.

It was also interesting that the change kit at Stoke sells almost as many as the main kit, unlike most clubs. Is that because red and white stripes is a less attractive wear for non-match days than other designs and colours ?

Do they consider colour clashes for people with colour blindness? That seems to be a regular oversight (no pun intended).

[dirtygary69]

Mar 14, 2024 10:38:09 GMT 36dd said:

Mar 14, 2024 10:16:09 GMT mozalini said:

At the meeting, did any one bring up a change of badge?

It was discussed and will be looked at again in the future but not right now, to change the logo would be a costly exercise for the club.

I presume your thoughts are that there must be plenty of give around the chest area?

[Malcolm Clarke]

Mar 14, 2024 15:04:21 GMT Vadiation_Ribe said:

Mar 14, 2024 9:10:38 GMT Malcolm Clarke said:

I was there because this was the first of the new Fan Assemblies and I thought the Club ought to supported and it turned out to be more interesting than I expected. I can't add much to callas' comprehensive report ( written at 3am ?? - beyond the call of duty that, Callas ). The Club had done a lot of prep for the meeting and planned it very well.

Having Ryan there added some interest. It was interesting that he judges whether he likes particular kits by his memories of how well the team did when he was wearing them. He said that Aguero had refused to swop shirts with him " because you kicked me"

It was disappointing that 3/4 of those who had registered didn't show, given that the Club had closed registrations, so there may have been some who wanted to go but couldn't.

Every day is a school day. I always understood that the reason we sometimes wear the change kit for away games when there isn't a colour clash was down to contracts with the suppliers about a minimum number of times worn by the team, but when I asked about that we learned that isn't the case - there is no such requirement and it's always a football decision ( although the retail manager admitted that he likes the change kit to be worn to help sales). But the referee has to approve the kits worn and sometimes they are very 'picky' about even very small colour clashes on the sleeves or socks for example. In one away game this season the ref insisted on the day that the team changed kit from the one planned.

It was also interesting that the change kit at Stoke sells almost as many as the main kit, unlike most clubs. Is that because red and white stripes is a less attractive wear for non-match days than other designs and colours ?

Do they consider colour clashes for people with colour blindness? That seems to be a regular oversight (no pun intended).

That's a good point. It wasn't specifically mentioned in the context of strip choices, but the retail manager did say that red/black colour blindness is one of the reasons the League likes plain panels on the back of the striped shirt as some fans can't read a black number on red/white stripes. It was said that broadcast commentators don't like it either.

[middleoftheboothen]

Mar 14, 2024 10:57:08 GMT danceswithclams said:

Mar 14, 2024 3:08:51 GMT callas12 said:

Yep I was there with a few others off here.. Was more like approximately 50 or so than the 200 who were supposedly meant to be there though. 200 odd had replied to the club saying they'd be there but ¾ either couldn't make it, had forgotten or just didn't bother turning up.

Pity really as the club had laid loads of tea/coffee and soft drinks on for the expected 200.. & the bar was open & serving.

Nice to see Ryan Shawcross kicking the evening off and going back through some of his fave kits he graced us in during his lengthy time with us. It's amazing how popular the FA Cup Final adidas shirt was, due to the season we had and the 2x Wembley appearances it showcased us in!

Was good seeing how the processes to new kit designs are made and the various factors that are taken into consideration from season to season.

Early design stages were worked on last night, then we're back in June for the next stage where Macron (or new potential kit designers) reveal their ideas from the early design conclusions before decisions are made on which top gets voted on as the best for the 25/26 season to go into production.

It was mentioned that Talks are ongoing & whilst it's believed that Macron will continue in the current kit manufacturing role, it hasn't been signed off yet and an announcement will be made when all completed over the next few weeks. Albeit the 24/25 home kit has already been in the development stage for the last 12 months or so ready for an expected May/June release.

Stoke feature as one of Macrons elite club deals so apparently we'll always share the same designed keeper tops as Crystal Palace & Blackburn, just a variation on the colours of these tops.

Question was posed about the training gear colours/styles as well, & whether they should be colour coordinated to the the home/away kits or something completely unrelated which appeared to be the all round consensus.

Was a pleasant couple of hours and again another great example of the club liaising with the fan base on important decisions such as the new 25/26 home kit design. As the head of retail mentioned, it's the fans that purchase the tops, it's important we have a say in what they look like.

What was clear is that the fan base will always be torn on kit designs, & with so many permutations of it available, it's nigh on impossible to please everyone, all the time.

Stripe widths, collar v non collar, kits detailing, more red than white or white than red, stripes on rear or half stripes with a block on it through to totally plain backs etc etc. All decisions & factors that vary between person to person.

What it seems is the most usual outcome is that each season the club have tried to steer in a different direction to the seasons before design.

For example they aim to go more retro/classic one year, safe and steady the next with some subtle tweaks and then totally left-field like the one we've had this year with fair bit of black in the design.

We also discussed the favourite quote of 'there isn't really much you can do with red and white stripes is there'.. Well there is but the reality is we'd need to do what clubs like Southampton, Coventry, Palace & Luton do, by proper mixing up home shirt designs season on season which would definitely give a licence to be different, but on the other hand you'd no-doubt upset the traditionalists in the process.

Be interesting to see how the fan led kit design is accepted by the fans but it's pretty much a given that they'll be those who love it, & those who aren't as keen, guess that's purely the mystique of footy kits, always has been and always will be.

WILL IT BE SPONSORED BY NIGDÉ?

With a doner meat sash would be great.

[i1da]

Mar 14, 2024 3:08:51 GMT callas12 said:

Yep I was there with a few others off here.. Was more like approximately 50 or so than the 200 who were supposedly meant to be there though. 200 odd had replied to the club saying they'd be there but ¾ either couldn't make it, had forgotten or just didn't bother turning up.

Pity really as the club had laid loads of tea/coffee and soft drinks on for the expected 200.. & the bar was open & serving.

Nice to see Ryan Shawcross kicking the evening off and going back through some of his fave kits he graced us in during his lengthy time with us. It's amazing how popular the FA Cup Final adidas shirt was, due to the season we had and the 2x Wembley appearances it showcased us in!

Was good seeing how the processes to new kit designs are made and the various factors that are taken into consideration from season to season.

Early design stages were worked on last night, then we're back in June for the next stage where Macron (or new potential kit designers) reveal their ideas from the early design conclusions before decisions are made on which top gets voted on as the best for the 25/26 season to go into production.

It was mentioned that Talks are ongoing & whilst it's believed that Macron will continue in the current kit manufacturing role, it hasn't been signed off yet and an announcement will be made when all completed over the next few weeks. Albeit the 24/25 home kit has already been in the development stage for the last 12 months or so ready for an expected May/June release.

Stoke feature as one of Macrons elite club deals so apparently we'll always share the same designed keeper tops as Crystal Palace & Blackburn, just a variation on the colours of these tops.

Question was posed about the training gear colours/styles as well, & whether they should be colour coordinated to the the home/away kits or something completely unrelated which appeared to be the all round consensus.

Was a pleasant couple of hours and again another great example of the club liaising with the fan base on important decisions such as the new 25/26 home kit design. As the head of retail mentioned, it's the fans that purchase the tops, it's important we have a say in what they look like.

What was clear is that the fan base will always be torn on kit designs, & with so many permutations of it available, it's nigh on impossible to please everyone, all the time.

Stripe widths, collar v non collar, kits detailing, more red than white or white than red, stripes on rear or half stripes with a block on it through to totally plain backs etc etc. All decisions & factors that vary between person to person.

What it seems is the most usual outcome is that each season the club have tried to steer in a different direction to the seasons before design.

For example they aim to go more retro/classic one year, safe and steady the next with some subtle tweaks and then totally left-field like the one we've had this year with fair bit of black in the design.

We also discussed the favourite quote of 'there isn't really much you can do with red and white stripes is there'.. Well there is but the reality is we'd need to do what clubs like Southampton, Coventry, Palace & Luton do, by proper mixing up home shirt designs season on season which would definitely give a licence to be different, but on the other hand you'd no-doubt upset the traditionalists in the process.

Be interesting to see how the fan led kit design is accepted by the fans but it's pretty much a given that they'll be those who love it, & those who aren't as keen, guess that's purely the mystique of footy kits, always has been and always will be.

As an overseas fan, I would have given my eye teeth to have been there.  Thank you Callas, Malcom, S7oke & 36dd for your excellent posts and giving us all an insight into the process.  Well done to the club also!

My one contribution would have been to be more traditional and bring back the Dark Pink, Light Pink stripes ........ Oh wait, that was after I'd washed my shirt 4,387 times! 

[danceswithclams]

Mar 14, 2024 15:19:12 GMT middleoftheboothen said:

Mar 14, 2024 10:57:08 GMT danceswithclams said:

WILL IT BE SPONSORED BY NIGDÉ?

With a doner meat sash would be great.

Available in sponsored, non-sponsored, with or without salad.