Rangers to keep last season's home kit for new campaign

Rangers will keep their 2016/17 home strips for the new season after agreeing a fresh commercial deal with Sports Direct.

Josh Windass wearing last season's home strip. Picture: SNS

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The club will unveil new change kits for the 2017/18 campaign, but have decided to stick with last year’s design after supporters were once again encouraged to buy club merchandise.

Rangers announced the previous contract with Sports Direct, which gave Mike Ashley control of the club’s retail arm, had been torn up and replaced with a new agreement.

Rangers will now receive the majority of profits made from items sold in the club megastore and their online shop, while receiving a 50-50 split from materials bought in Sports Direct stores.

Last season’s home top was a particular favourite with fans. Designed by Puma, it was applauded for its retro design, though supporters were largely discouraged from purchasing one due to the controversial arrangement with Ashley’s firm.

Seeing as a boycott prohibited fans from buying one, Rangers felt there was no harm in rolling back last season’s home kit.

Managing director Stewart Robertson said: “It’s going to be the same kit – because these things have quite long times to get them into the market.

“So from the supporters’ perspective, there’s not a lot of them have bought it so there’s a retail opportunity there for Puma, Sports Direct and the club.”