Hibs unveil Puma kit deal

HIBS today unveiled a lucrative three-year kit deal with Puma, one of the world's biggest sportswear firms.

The announcement brings to an end the longest running such contract in the SPL, the Easter Road outfit's association with le coq sportif which dates back to 1998.

While John Hughes' squad have already been given a sneak preview of the gear they will be wearing next season, Hibs supporters will get their first view of the new away strip when it is revealed next month with the home kit due to be paraded in June.

As "technical sponsor" Puma will supply Hibs with first team and replica kit along with training gear until the summer of 2014 in a money-spinning move which delighted the club's commercial and communications director Fife Hyland.

He said: "Everyone at the club is very excited about securing such a high profile and respected technical sponsor.

"Puma is one of the world's biggest football and sporting brands. The quality of the kit and training wear is second to none. "The players have been very impressed with the new gear and I am sure the new kits and merchandise will be well received by supporters."

The tie-up between the kit suppliers and Hibs will be managed and delivered by www.GenesisSports.co.uk who are Puma's licensees for Pro Teamsports for the UK and Ireland, an organisation with which the Edinburgh club already enjoys "an excellent working relationship."

Today's revelation sees Hibs join the likes of Newcastle United, Coventry City, Sheffield Wednesday, Cardiff City, Reading and Bristol City in the Puma fold while Burnley and Preston North End have also recently concluded deals.

Puma will be well represented in this summer's World Cup finals with Hibs star Sol Bamba's Ivory Coast among the many nations who will be sporting the company's familiar logo on their jerseys.

Roger Harrison, Puma's UK marketing director, said: "We are really pleased to be working with one of Scotland's most famous clubs and its fans.

"The rich history of Hibs was very appealing to us as a brand that is proud about its heritage.

"We are confident that through this partnership we will not only increase the exposure of Puma in Scotland but also deliver a strong service to the club, team and supporters."