Following discussions yesterday with Puma the new replica shirts are now scheduled to go on sale from 15th August, 2012.
Commenting on this delay Blues’ CEO Pat Cluskey said, “Following the completion of the new partnership agreement with MBNA at the end of March, our solicitors finalised the contract with Puma in April which gives them 16 weeks to supply a bespoke shirt to the Club this being 18th August, 2012.
“Puma did try to arrange for an initial batch to be delivered by the end of July and as late as last week had hoped to do so, but production scheduling at their European factory, which manufacturers shirts for a large number of UK professional clubs, has not allowed them to.
“However 1300 replica shirts will be despatched by them on Friday 10th August and they should be with the Club the following Tuesday with the plan to put them on sale from Wednesday 14th at 10am with extended shop opening hours all that week to allow fans to purchase the shirts prior to the opening fixture at Oxford City.
“Adult shirts will be available in sizes S to 4XL with both short and long sleeved options, priced £37.99 and £39.99 respectively. There will also be a ladies fit shirt in sizes 8 – 18 plus mini-kits which start from 6 months of age. Childrens’ shirts then start from 5 years.
“Whilst the delay is disappointing I hope that the increased choice that Puma have been able to offer to fans, both in the design of a bespoke shirt and the variety of sizes available, will show that the Club is continuing to move forward both on and off the pitch.”