West Ham’s 2020/21 kits have not been released yet but another one made by the Hammers kit supplier has and it could be a clue as to how the next one might look.
Umbro are West Ham’s kit supplier until 2023, having penned a new extension to their deal with the club in 2019 and produced the two excellent 1980-inspired FA Cup winners kits that went down a storm last summer.
Umbro will be responsible for producing the special commemorative kit for the 2020/21 season that will mark West Ham United’s 125th anniversary.
Talking about next seasons’ kits seems a bit stupid considering that the 2019/20 campaign hasn’t finished yet but it is set for a return later this week when the Hammers face Wolves at London Stadium.
So while West Ham won’t be changing kit suppliers, their current one has revealed a 2020/21 strip for fellow Premier League outfit Bournemouth.
The Cherries, also embroiled in a relegation battle with the Hammers, will be wearing the shirt for the remaining nine games of the 2019/20 season as well as in 2020/21.
The spiel for their shirts says: “The kit’s design takes a distinctive new approach on the Cherries’ iconic red and black stripes, incorporating a bold gradient stripe jacquard on the front, back and cuff.
“It also brings back the blackout sleeves, V-neck collar and the AFCB sign off on the back of the neck.”
Last month, Scottish side Hearts also had their new Umbro kit released and both theirs and Bournekmouth’s new kit both have v-necklines, hinting that the Hammers will have the same next season if the Umbro template is anything to go by.
While the colours won’t be the same, quite often kit makers have similar templates for all their kits they supply to their clubs. Football.London understands the players have seen their new kits for next season but the photoshoot has yet to take place.
So could this be what the neck design could look like on West Ham’s kits next season? It’s not quite the same as the V-neck that has adorned the Hammers shirts this season but it’s not a million miles away.
The Hammers have had three kits this season, the third kit was a navy blue number launched to coincide with the signing of Sebastien Haller and there is no reason not to think there will be three more for next season.
What we do know is they won’t include the sleeve sponsor Basset & Gold, who plunged into administration earlier this year with the Hammers on the hunt for a new sleeve sponsor.
