Derby County have announced that their partnership with kit supplier Umbro will draw to a close after 10 years this summer – and supporters have had their say on who they want on their shirt next.
Derby enjoyed the greatest era of their history to date wearing the famous double diamond of Umbro, claiming First Division league titles in 1972 and 1975 while reaching the semi-finals of the European Cup in 1972.
The club reignited their partnership in the summer of 2014 and after a decade of supply, the agreement between the two parties will conclude at the end of this season.
During their time donning the Umbro badge on their shirt, it is fair to say they’ve gone through some real lows, including losing out in the play-off final to Aston Villa in 2019, entering administration under the ownership of Mel Morris and relegation to League One in 2022.
However, they can end their partnership on a high by securing promotion back to the Championship this season with Paul Warne‘s men currently in second, four points clear of Bolton Wanderers.
With Umbro’s time coming to a close, the Rams will enter a new era of kit suppliers this summer and supporters have had their say on who they want to see.
Derby County fans all saying the same thing about latest announcement
The way supporters view a kit can often be defined by success and as Derby celebrated no promotions, but a relegation during their time with Umbro, the time for a change is welcomed.
Reacting to this news, many fans had their say on who they wanted to see next via X and the resounding answer was Puma.
One fan tweeted: “Puma making #dcfc‘s kits again would be ace. Imagine the retros and re-issues and the designs for new strips that might tap into those, too. Umbro decent on the whole but time for a change.”
Another said: “Hope Castore doesn’t do our kit for next season as their quality hasn’t proven to be good. Have to say I wouldn’t mind Puma, Nike, Adidas though.”
A third added: “David Clowes is an astute businessman therefore our next kit deal must be Puma! The double Puma 97 as a retro kit would make a killing for the club.”
A fourth said: “I’m all for Puma if we get a central badge similar to the Manchester City kit last season. So much potential.”
Derby County wore Puma from 1995-2001
Puma is the popular choice from Derby supporters as they wore a shirt donning the badge during their years in the Premier League, while the shirts themselves were, and still are, very iconic.
The Rams first donned a Puma shirt in the second division in 1995 before winning promotion to the top flight in 1996 and remaining there till their relegation in 2002.
While being supplied kits by Puma, Derby fans watched some legendary players pull on the black and white jersey, including Paulo Wanchope and Fabrizio Ravanelli.
For some, there’s an element of nostalgia attached to their kits in the mid to late 90’s, while others really liked the style and wanted them to replicate it on a modern shirt.
Hopefully, the next period in the club’s history, regardless of what kit they wear, will be a success.
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