Newcastle United publicly defend Castore after Aston Villa complaints & £40m deal

Newcastle United have publicly come out in support of Castore with the sportswear manufacturer in the media spotlight this week.

A report from the Daily Telegraph revealed Aston Villa players have complained about their 2023-24 shirts because of their ‘wet look’, which they claim is impacting their performance in matches due to being uncomfortable and heavy.

The Magpies will end their two-year partnership with Castore at the end of the season having secured a far more lucrative kit deal with Adidas, worth a reported £40million. United denied that their decision to axe ties with the brand was a result of discontent over quality.

A club statement read: “Newcastle United has been made aware of a national media report regarding its kit partnership with Castore.

“The club has found the quality of Castore products to be extremely high.

“We are proud to be wearing Castore’s well-designed, innovative training and match kits in the Premier League and Champions League and are appreciative of Castore’s support and contribution to the club’s trajectory over the last three seasons.”

Newcastle fans have complained about Castore’s customer service as well as a lack of available stock and delays in delivery.

For Aston Villa, they are now working with Castore to improve the kit design following the concerns shared by men and women’s team.

Further reports claim several female players do not want to wear the kit in this weekend’s Women’s Super League opener against Manchester United.

Damian Vidagany, Villa’s director of football operations, admitted there are problems with the shirts.

“It’s true we have a problem with the shirt, because clearly the material is not absorbing the sweat,” he said. We have a situation and the marketing department is dealing with the supplier to try to change it. It is not a question that concerns the manager, it is for the business side.”