For the past few new shirts we have really been struggling to find new ways to have the black and white stripes. obviously the options are limited but i really feel we've gone in the wrong direction with this one.
I regret to say I completely disagree with the other review for this shirt, for me the negatives far outweigh the positives.
Positives ------------- On the plus side, the shirt does suit certain players such as Michael Owen and there are those who feel that the gold of the sponsor's logo and the numbers is a sign of class.
(The many!) Negatives -------------- For me however I feel that the gold is in fact tacky and in reverting from the 3D sponsor's logo of last season to the flat stuck on sponsor this year they have really taken a step back.
It is my experience that the shirts with this plasticky stuck on sponsor etc last far worse than the others and indeed I have seen signs of peeling on shirts already, there is also a very real possibility of the writing creasing, something you dont get on the 3D of last season's.
Additionally if you are planning on getting a name put on the back of your shirt be aware, I don't know if it is the material or the new stuff they are using for the numbers but something has made it look really quite unprofessional and scrunched up.
Personally I much prefer the shirts with some sort of collar such as last season's and this season's lack of collar just adds to making the shirt look cheap.
The Shirt Itself --------------------
This shirt is more predominantly white than black and has broader strips than the last shirt, the sleeves are slightly sloped with odd seaming presumably to make you look more dynamic. Doesn't do it for me but if you're looking for something less classic then it might be for you.
As for the material, it is pretty typical of what you would expect of a football shirt nowadays with the close stitch nylon of the main section and the climalite mesh down the sides to let sweat evapourate.
In summary therefore i would recommend you wouldn't buy off the net but go and see one 'in the flesh' see what you make of the design and material etc. and it might well appeal to you. For my money I'd definitely go for last season's which lasts exceptionally well and looks tidy with its blue trim, if you can still find any. If not, the third kit in blue looks much better.
Of course if you're a fan who has to have the latest shirt then all this is pretty redundant information as you'll buy it anyway!
More details
Price
£30-£45(with long sleeves)
Evaluate this review
How helpful would this review be to someone making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
