Aston Villa players complain Castore shirts negatively impact performance

[not3bad]

Aston Villa players have reportedly told the club hierarchy that they are unhappy with this season's wet-look shirts, which they claim are having an affect on performances.

As per the Telegraph, manager Unai Emery is aware of the issue, with the club now working with kit manufacturer Castore to try to find a speedy resolution.

Like most Premier League clubs Villa launched a new home, away and third kit this term, but supporters have have noticed the shirts are quickly becoming wet through, while perspiration sees it cling to players during games.

And the Telegraph has alleged that this has prompted players to complain, claiming it is having an impact on performances. Meanwhile they have told members of the Villa bosses that the shirts become uncomfortable and heavy.

The problem has been particularly obvious on the home shirts, which quickly turn much darker that their original claret during games. However, players have reportedly claimed the white away kit is just as bad.

Villa are two years into their "multi-year deal" with Castore and it remains to be seen whether or not the issue could affect that deal.

Indeed, Newcastle triggered an exit clause to free themselves of a contract with Castore that had been due to run to 2027, so they can switch to Adidas from the start of next season.

Speaking to Telegraph Sport, a source close to a Villa player, said: “The players are having to play in soaking wet t-shirts and it is a problem that needs to be solved. It cannot go on all season. The players look like they’ve jumped in a swimming pool after about 10 minutes.”

Despite the complaints, Villa have won four of their opening six Premier League games.

Meanwhile, the issue will not impact replica shirts bought by fans, meaning the club will not face the possibility of having to recall kits or issue replacements to the public.

SPORTbible have approached Castore for comment on the matter.

https://www.sportbible.com/football/football-news/aston-villa/aston-villa-kit-castore-sweat-unai-emery-819606-20230926

[Monty]

An anonymous tip-off, known only by the name 'Balum Bambers' was especially vociferous on the topic.

[john e]

Those Shirts are absolutely pathetic. Only Villa could end up with tops looking like shammy leathers after a car wash

[eamonn]

And so the awful truth we all feared is confirmed.

[brontebilly]

Dan Bardell called this after the first game!

[VillaTim]

Dan Bardell called this after the first game!

Who's he ?

[pauliewalnuts]

If only there were already a thread about this.

[FatSam]

I really hope we also have an exit clause that can be triggered. We obviously won’t do that if we are penalised financially, or don’t have a better offer on the table. Also, Newcastle still have Castore this season, so presumably we’re stuck with them next season regardless. I’m not tempted to buy any merch until we have a better manufacturer.

[Mister E]

Chelsea are set to receive approval from the Premier League for Infinite Athlete to become their new shirt sponsor. The Stamford Bridge club have been waiting for the deal, which is understood to be worth around £40m a year, to be given the green light.

£40m per year?!! - we are so far behind the commercial big-hitters.

[KevinGage]

It feels like there's a hierarchy. Other clubs (Newcastle at present, Wolves and Sevilla etc) have Castore and don't seem to have this issue.

Yet we've been palmed off with any old shit. 

Or maybe those other clubs don't have Fanatics sewing together bin bags for them.

[AlexAlexCropley]

Why won't the fans replica shirts be impacted? Are they saying we don't run around and sweat? Are we not men?

[paul_e]

Why won't the fans replica shirts be impacted? Are they saying we don't run around and sweat? Are we not men?

I think because the replica shirts for fans are made by fanatics on license whereas the player shirts will come from Castore directly. So by the sound of it the replicas are actually better quality this season.

[Risso]

Why won't the fans replica shirts be impacted? Are they saying we don't run around and sweat? Are we not men?

I think because the replica shirts for fans are made by fanatics on license whereas the player shirts will come from Castore directly. So by the sound of it the replicas are actually better quality this season.

They're exactly the same. My mate got a player issue one in a charity auction a couple of weeks ago, and it's identical to the one he bought for himself online.

[ChicagoLion]

I really hope we also have an exit clause that can be triggered. We obviously won’t do that if we are penalised financially, or don’t have a better offer on the table. Also, Newcastle still have Castore this season, so presumably we’re stuck with them next season regardless. I’m not tempted to buy any merch until we have a better manufacturer.

Producing a not fit for purpose product gives the Club enormous leverage. Its a question of if they choose to use it. But it is pathetic that something as fundamental as the Kit seems beyond the club to get right.

[DB]

When you're covered in sweat
And your legs feel like lead
That's Castore

Nicked, I admit.