Ed’s Note [Phil]: Hi, Stuart. Thank you for getting in touch.
There’s definitely been a rise in the use of third kits at Sunderland over the years, and in an era where we need to maximise every available revenue stream, it’s understandable that they would go down the route of having as many different designs as possible.
I must admit that this season’s third kit does leave me cold, and I remember years ago, the Lads would often run out for away games in the traditional red and white stripes — and for some of the most memorable games I can remember as a Sunderland fan.
All part of the modern game, I guess, but I don’t worry about losing our identity: that’ll remain intact no matter which strip we happen to be wearing.