Latics will have a new kit manufacturer from next season in the form of O'Neillsplaceholder image
Latics will have a new kit manufacturer from next season in the form of O'Neills
Wigan Athletic have confirmed O’Neills will become the club’s new official kit supplier from June 1.
As managing director Sarah Guilfoyle recently confirmed, the deal is the biggest kit supplier agreement Latics have completed since dropping out of the Premier League 13 years ago.
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Latics say the partnership 'will give the club more bespoke design control, smaller production runs and greater flexibility across kit and retail', while having the ability to 'customise finer details including neck tape and buttons, rather than working from a standard template'.
Giving the company a more local touch than previous years, O’Neills’ UK head office is based in Haydock, creating a close working relationship operationally, while lead designer Paige Hilton hails from Hindley Green.
Ms Guilfoyle said: “This is a really important partnership for the club. It is a strong commercial deal for Wigan Athletic, but it is also about much more than that.
"O’Neills allows us to quickly create products that feel authentic to our Club and our supporters. Their proximity to us, their flexibility in production, and their willingness to work in a truly bespoke way make this a very exciting agreement.
"Any partnership must deliver commercial value, and this one certainly does, but it also gives us the platform to improve our retail offer, be creative and respond to what our supporters want.”
O’Neills are perhaps better known in some circles for their rugby league and GAA presence, but the brand has gained cult status in football through eye-catching collaborations with Bohemians, while Championship outfit Bristol City already on board.
“One of the major benefits for us is the level of customisation O’Neills can offer," said group head of retail Nicola Prior. "This is not a case of taking a standard template and changing a few colours.
"We have control over more of the finished product, from fabrics and trims, through to the finer design details.
"Just as importantly, we can order short runs on quick lead times, which means we can be more creative and more reactive to customer demand, whilst not ending up with unsold stock.
"That flexibility is a huge advantage for us as we continue to develop a more distinctive retail range for supporters.”
O'Neills will supply all Latics first-team, Academy and Women's team playing kits, alongside training wear.
George Harborne, head of pro sports & marketing at O’Neills, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Wigan Athletic.
"This is a fantastic football club with a proud identity, a passionate supporter base, and a clear ambition for the future, so we are excited to begin working closely together.
"We are also very pleased to be continuing to increase our footprint in football, adding to a growing portfolio that includes Bristol City in England.
"Wigan Athletic is another really significant addition for us as part of a larger push into football, both domestically and internationally.
"We are looking forward to creating bespoke products for the Club and its supporters and building a strong relationship over the coming years.”
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