Just a thought about the away strip. Why do we always wait so long to release the details of it? Would it not be more prudent, especially given the current position the are working their way out of, that the away kit was released prior to Xmas so that the fans could purchase it? I like most people find it a bit of a stretch to find the money for one after Xmas. Surely more sales would come if it was? I dont understand why it is always so secretive as to what it looks like! I for one havent bought the home strip for a few seasons now as I have preferred the away ones. Just thinking some fans may like to receive the way strip as an Xmas present, so are the club missing a trick here. Just a though thats all.

I think the theory is that people will buy the home one as a Christmas present, and then there's time to save the cash for the away one once it comes out. Doesn't always work out like that but it's not a bad theory.

I understand that Matt but wouldnt it be better to give people the choice, especially for people like me who only buy the way strip? The club arent gaining anything from people like me by holding it back as I havent liked any of the home strips for years and I personally think this years is another poor effort, not every one can afford both either. Thats why I suggestd it be released before Xmas to give the fns the choice.

Maybe the club can't afford the upfront costs of having two kits manufactured?

Or if we don't pay upfront, maybe the kit manufacturer doesn't want to take on the cost of two kits being manufactured at once?

Or maybe the kit manufacturer doesn't have the capacity to manufacture two lots of kits for every club they have contracts with before Christmas.

Or one of many other logistical, financial or practical reasons.

And this is from someone who has never been involved with kit manufacture.

Thats fair enough but lots of people only buy the away strip and as its only released after xmas i think sales are always going to be lower, why not alternate which strip is released first as generally you know what you re going to get with the home strip

Well it would be a good idea if someone who knows could tell us the real reason for this then any conspiricy theories can be put to bed. Are there any otther teams that don't show their second strip till late January? Anyway I dont buy one as my more portly figure won't stand up to it. What I would like to see is the full first kit. Shorts socks an all. Can we get the lady who does the numbers and letters on Coutdown to model it. She is a babe.

or painted on like either Sheffield or Doncaster did a few years ago

As Micheal Ward says, these things cost money, and that is something the club doesn't have.
I believe it was hoped to be released for the Salford game, but the next dilemma is purchasing enough replicas with no money.

Perhaps the best solution is on an order only basis until the club is in a better financial situation?

I thought this thread had something to do with STREAKING at theSalford Game .

Cue Frank.

I do not do that (in January).

Widnes aren't releasing our away shirt until January and haven done in past few seasons (though was the home shirt last year).

Quite simply marketing I believe. You bring out 2 shirts at the same time most will pick there favourite and simply buy that. This way people in theory will see the first released shirt, buy that for Christmas and as it's 'the new thing' etc and then if they like the second release as now that's the 'new thing' they'll in theory buy that also... I did last season yet have never bought home & away before that.