SUNDERLAND fans can expect next season's kits to include "intimate detail" that tap into the history of the club as hummel prepare to release the first strips since their partnership with the Black Cats was confirmed.
As well as a home and away shirt, a third strip will also be revealed this summer, with Sunderland's new chief business officer David Bruce blown away by the lengths hummel have gone to to ensure there's a personal touch to the kits.
Sunderland have history with hummel, with the club and sportswear brand having forged a famous connection in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
And a new "multi-year" partnership between the club and Danish firm was announced last month, with supporters now eagerly awaiting a glimpse of next season's strips.
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"With hummel, it's quite unbelievable what we've been able to get done," said Bruce.
"In the space of 12 months, we're going to have a fully bespoke collection from top to bottom that really speaks to the area and football club.
"The process has been really collaborative. They come in, find out what we're looking for, we give them the brief and talk about the area and particular seasons. Is there something special to tap into or something particularly interesting happening in the city that we think can add to storytelling?
"This year we have a number of kits that are built off a moment in time or something significant to the city and its connection with the club. They look at those creative territories and then they bring that to life with the kits.
"You'll see in intimate detail very soon what we mean by that through the home, away and third jersey. We've really lent into things that we think matter to fans and the club.
"It's not off the rack, it's a fully custom piece that talks to the area, the club, the city, a moment, the fanbase. As a fan, there's no more intimate thing you buy than a kit. We don't take that for granted. We have to obsess over the details and what fans care most about."
Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham has already had a glimpse of what the team will be wearing next season.
Quizzed on his aims for next term in an interview with the club, he said: "I've not really thought about next season yet. I've seen the kits, which is the most exciting thing, but I haven't set any goals yet. That will be in the summer when I come back for pre-season."
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