Rangers have played down any fears of Mike Ashley still being involved with the Ibrox club’s merchandising deal with Castore after stories began circulating on the day the new kit was officially released.
The Scottish Sun reported how apprehension had spiked after Sports Direct’s Facebook page advertised that they had “exclusive” rights to sell the new strip but it has since been revealed that they have been very liberal with the use of the phrase.
The Gers official website posted the statement in which they confirmed that they have an exclusive agreement with the premium sportswear brand and that – unlike previous years – there will be a presence in sports shops up and down the country, not just in Sports Direct.
“Following today’s unveiling of the 2020/21 home jersey, Rangers continues to look forward to their long term exclusive partnership with Castore, which, for the avoidance of doubt, is a direct agreement between those two companies with no other persons party to the deal.
“As previously stated, it offers a fresh start for the Club and a chance to purchase high quality clothing and other products that directly benefit Rangers.
“As is common practice in teamwear retail, Castore will form a number of wholesale supply arrangements with high street retailers in the UK and overseas because that is key to the global aspirations of both Castore and Rangers but the purpose of these arrangements will always be to maximise the availability and sales channels for Rangers products.”
The club also confirmed that every strip bought now directly benefits Rangers, regardless of where it is bought, unlike in previous agreements where they were lucky to be making pennies, and with all 50,000 strips projected to be sold within the first 24 hours, it will be a significant boost to the coffers.
Unfortunately for fans of the Light Blues who had thought that Ashley had forever been banished from any involvement in their club, it now appears that he is still entitled to purchase strips from Castore to sell in his shops – how much money he will make from these remains to be seen with buying direct from Castore and Rangers the most obvious way to avoid lining his grubby pockets.