A Stanley Shirt 'Made in Accrington.'

Trikitt · 13-02-2011, 18:31

Hello All,

I have posted this info on the other forum, I just need as much support as possible... This is just an idea that I have been kicking around for a while now and I would like to know if it is something that you lot would be interested in. As we all know the contract with Jima has come to an end and I believe that Stanley are in the process of negotiating a kit supplier. So what my idea is, to create somewhere here in Accrington that makes football shirts not just for Stanley, but for the wider audience. Here are just a selection of my thoughts;

Football is a sport that has become less and less connected with the communities that created it. From the players on the pitch right down to the football shirt manufacturers, advertising etc etc.

What I propose is to make next year's or the year afters (As I realize that these things can take time) Accrington Stanley's home shirt in England and more in particular in Accrington. Now before you reply to me stating that it isn't a solid business decision (cotton shirts can be made here in the UK including VAT, Material and Labour for £5.) etc, take into account a few aspects.

1. East Lancashire is one of the most socially and economically deprived areas in Europe let alone the UK, so creating jobs here in the UK during a recession can only be a positive thing especially in an area where youth unemployment is some of the highest in the UK. We can teach youths a trade and skill that they could use in the future. We can also promote the area as knowing it's cloth, due to it's associations with the cotton trade.

2. If the scheme went well this could be a future revenue scheme where we could manufacture shirts for other teams. With small clubs trying to find new revenue streams this shouldn't be scoffed at.

3. With the support of a major British sportswear manufacturer such as Umbro this could give Accrington and Accrington Stanley the correct, positive image that it deserves.

With the support of a major kit supplier we could make the shirt a must have item. All I want is for Stanley to get a little more money to help the club stay alive, support the community directly and rather than receiving a jersey that said made in the far east, the shirt read 'Made in Accrington.'

Let me know your thoughts...

lancsdave · 13-02-2011, 18:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trikitt

) 3. With the support of a major British sportswear manufacturer such as Umbro this could give Accrington and Accrington Stanley the correct, positive image that it deserves.

With the support of a major kit supplier we could make the shirt a must have item. All I want is for Stanley to get a little more money to help the club stay alive, support the community directly and rather than receiving a jersey that said made in the far east, the shirt read 'Made in Accrington.'

Let me know your thoughts...

I don't understand that last section. How can you get the support of a major kit supplier if they don't have facilites in Accrington. Surely they will want to use their own factories. Surridge comes close but not quite in Accrington

Trikitt · 13-02-2011, 19:00

Hello Lancsdave,

Thanks for the reply. The support of a kit supplier simply means using their logo and designers to make the product desirable to non Stanley supporters so as to gain more income. The site would be located in Accrington and would be hopefully be owned by Stanley with the support of a sportswear company.

Hope that helps.

lancsdave · 13-02-2011, 19:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trikitt

The site would be located in Accrington and would be hopefully be owned by Stanley

I think you just killed the whole project

To be honest I would imagine any change of kit for next season is already well down the decision line.

lancsdave · 13-02-2011, 20:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trikitt

cotton shirts can be made here in the UK including VAT, Material and Labour for £5.) ...

I still can't get my head round this one. Unless your'e making thousands ( which wouldn't be applicable with Stanley shirts ) I find that hard to imagine.

Nice sentiment though, I'm all for local busineses supporting each other

Billy Casper · 13-02-2011, 20:52

This Team have kindly offered this kit for next season, if things dont work out.

Trikitt · 14-02-2011, 10:26

Thanks for the responses. I work with a company here in the UK that make my t-shirts in the UK and they charge me just under £5 for making 170 shirts, including material, so I think this is something we could work with.

In order for anything like this to get off the ground I need the support of honest Stanley fans like yourselves and if you don't believe that it can work then I fully understand, I just thought it would be a positive step for yhe town and football club.

Greeny · 14-02-2011, 11:10

If you are sure this can work then go for it . Maybe start with T shirts and take it from there.

maccawozzagod · 14-02-2011, 14:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trikitt

Thanks for the responses. I work with a company here in the UK that make my t-shirts in the UK and they charge me just under £5 for making 170 shirts, including material, so I think this is something we could work with.

In order for anything like this to get off the ground I need the support of honest Stanley fans like yourselves and if you don't believe that it can work then I fully understand, I just thought it would be a positive step for yhe town and football club.

football shirts are of a far better quality though than your average t-shirt. I can source t-shirts for around 75p and single colour screen print for about £1 (plus set up fee) but obviously the more you want to pay the better quality you get. Last time I heard anything on the lines of football shirts you'd need more than a thousand to get anywhere near £6 and then you'd have your printing costs on top for the sponsor and embroidery costs for the badge and manufacturer.

But good luck anyway and I hope it works out. But I would imagine you should have something concrete (or maybe a little lighter) on offer by September in order to start getting final design agreed and contracted for the end of the season.

maccawozzagod · 14-02-2011, 14:02

something that could be intriguing for you to look at would be to reproduce some of our shirts from days gone by? Smaller orders and a little more ad hoc perhaps but trying to get the tender for the main shirt would be a big ask

Stanleymad · 14-02-2011, 14:19

Think it's a while down the line, we have more pressing things concerning Stanley than kit atm

mab · 14-02-2011, 18:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stanleymad

Think it's a while down the line, we have more pressing things concerning Stanley than kit atm

Closser than you think Mel

ukcowboy · 14-02-2011, 18:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by mab

Closser than you think Mel

An explanation would be nice mab!

katei77 · 14-02-2011, 18:35

sadly i have to say i agreed with u mab,lets hope the 26th isnt too little too late

mab · 14-02-2011, 19:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by katei77

sadly i have to say i agreed with u mab,lets hope the 26th isnt too little too late

why sadly!!! Every football club changes there kits every two years,and why the 26th and why too little too late????