Rangers have confirmed the launch of a new fourth kit for the current 2022/23 season but questions will be asked as to why it is required.
Already up to this point, we have had the customary home kit launch. Previously this would be every other year but now very few clubs across the board keep their designs for more than one campaign.
The away strip for this year has already been witnessed on the pitch a few times, using the same design as a late 80s classic and also utilised during the 2006/07 season. The Europa League Final saw Rangers (and Castore) take advantage of the buzz to drop a kit launch with the bundle of tops ready to go. Seville Orange and all that but it was just a teaser…and some cynical marketing as the team would go on to wear the all-blue European kit in the decider against Eintracht Frankfurt. That is this year’s third kit which hasn’t yet been worn by the first team.
Today’s update is no surprise given previous speculation online but now the club has confirmed the launch on its social media platforms.
Launching tomorrow!
The Rangers Fourth kit will be available to buy in-store & online from 8am.#breakthelines pic.twitter.com/vgbCkV5tUE
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) September 29, 2022
Many would suggest that this is an overreach, there is simply no need to release four kits in one season.
In terms of demands on supporters, yes there is no obligation to buy all the shirts but at the same time, the target market is the fans and everything else that comes with it.
Under the retail agreement with Castore, four kits appears to be a contracted agreement given what has came before. In 2020/21, there was the ‘regular’ three kits (blue, white, black) followed by the retro branded outfit which was worn on just one ocassion, the league cup defeat at St Mirren.
Then last season, the three (blue, black, lilac) were joined by the 125th commemorative white shirt (worn away to Dundee) as well as the ‘legends shirt’ for the game as part of the anniversary celebrations in conjunction with Unicef.
Modern football has a lot to answer for, as do Rangers in this case of our own for the agreements struck with Castore. Money, money, money!
As for the design, we will leave that verdict to you…
https://twitter.com/RangersNews_365/status/1566788684841914368
This is a non issue .Castore launch it , the fans who want it buy it , those who think its a rip off or just don`t want it, don`t buy it .Castore get left with it and it will then be available cheap at a later date. I just don`t get why anyone would feel they have to buy something they don`t want or can`t afford .Sportswear companies launch new clothes regularly and people only buy what they want .Everyone has free will to do what they want.