West Ham United will have been existence for 130 years on June 29th next year and they will need a kit fit for the occasion.
The Hammers were founded as Thames Ironworks in 1895, becoming West Ham on July 5th 1900.
West Ham fans are fiercely proud of their history and roots.
So they will expect something a bit special for the major milestone that’s coming up.
There has been a lot of speculation over West Ham’s kit manufacturer over the last few years.
There have been rumours the Hammers might switch to Nike for the first time or back to Adidas.
Current kit maker Umbro have faced plenty of criticism in the past.
The firm has redeemed itself somewhat with this season’s kits which have – on the whole – been very well received.
Major milestone on the horizon for West Ham
Umbro has made kits for West Ham United across several periods in the club’s history – including the their first ever replica shirts.
West Ham’s deal with Umbro, which began in 2015, was extended in a long-term agreement.
But the end date and financial details were never been publicly disclosed. The deal was reportedly extended behind the scenes for another year in 2023.
There have been rumours a change might be in the offing to coincide with the big anniversary in the summer.
Now there has been a major update on the situation.
West Ham are set to agree a new kit deal for the 130th anniversary strips says a club source.
For those fans wanting a change it’s bad news.
But supporters happy with the current manufacturer will be pleased.
West Ham set to agree new kit deal for 130th anniversary
Because top Hammers source Sean Whetstone says Umbro have agreed to a new deal with West Ham for next season.
Whetstone claims West Ham have looked into switching away from Umbro.
And talks have been held with other major manufacturers.
But in the end, the Hammers decided to continue their longstanding Umbro agreement at a higher rate in excess of the £7m the last deal was worth.
“West Ham is thought to have reviewed the market by talking to the other major manufacturers in the Premier League, including Adidas, Castore, Nike, Puma, and Macron,” Whetstone said on Claret and Hugh.
“But both Umbro and West Ham were willing to continue their decade-long partnership.”
Umbro has taken on responsibility for some historic kits in West Ham’s history.
The firm produced the special commemorative kit that West Ham wore for the emotional final season at the Boleyn Ground.
They also actually produced the club’s first ever replica kits that went on sale to supporters during the 1960s, when they also famously designed the England kits worn by West Ham’s World Cup winning heroes in 1966.
West Ham kits through the years
- Umbro (1960s)
Umbro physically produced West Ham’s first kits for sale to fans – as well as England during the same period. But this was without any Umbro branding on the kits. - Admiral (1976–1980)
Admiral was the first official kit manufacturer for West Ham United. Before this, kits were largely produced without brand recognition. - Adidas (1980–1987)
After Admiral, Adidas took over, introducing their iconic three stripes to the West Ham kit. - Scoreline (1987–1989)
A smaller brand, Scoreline, was next in line, creating kits that were notably distinct from the Adidas era. - Bukta (1989–1992)
Bukta came in after Scoreline and produced kits with a simpler design, featuring the company’s logo prominently. - Brooks (1992–1993)
Brooks had a short tenure as kit supplier, producing only one season’s worth of kits. - Pony (1993–1999)
Pony took over in the mid-90s, producing kits during West Ham’s return to the Premier League era. - Fila (1999–2003)
Fila replaced Pony and provided the kits for the early 2000s, including the 2002-03 season when West Ham were relegated. - Reebok (2003–2007)
Reebok came in after Fila, providing kits during the Hammers’ rise back to the Premier League, including their 2006 FA Cup final appearance. - Umbro (2007–2010)
Umbro, known for classic football designs, supplied the West Ham kits during this period. - Macron (2010–2013)
Macron provided West Ham kits during the years of their promotion back to the Premier League under manager Sam Allardyce. - Adidas (2013–2015)
Adidas returned to West Ham for a brief period, producing kits that celebrated the club’s 2015 departure from Upton Park. - Umbro (2015–Present)
Umbro returned in 2015 and is the current kit supplier for West Ham, creating kits as the club moved into the London Stadium and establishing a long-term partnership.
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