HANDMADE SHIRTS

New kit

I have to say I'm very skeptical about our new self-made shirts. I think it smacks of short-termism and lack of ambition. One wee point before I go any further - there was an amusing incident when during a presentation to supporters groups about how Nike "profiteered" from selling shirts and how the club would get a better deal from making their own. As the finances were explained and it was shown how middlemen took money here and there one bright spark piped up "so, as we're cutting out the middlemen the shirts will be cheaper next season then?"

Cue a few club reps coughing, spluttering and looking at the floor!

I wouldn't hold your breath.

Although I'm sure the club will have done their figures I think this deal
has all the hallmarks of the quick buck and short-term improvement to the
cashflow rather than fitting in with the oft-repeated "building the Rangers
brand" around the world.

Firstly - does anyone really expect Rangers, even with the use of marketing
agents. to be able to come anywhere near the global reach of a brand like
Nike? I simply don't believe that we'll be able to place the goods in
places where Nike could.

Secondly, a huge part of the appeal of the strip to non-Rangers fans is the
Nike brand - a lot of people wearing it around the world will do so because
of the Nike swoosh and the guarantee of quality it brings.

As with a few other changes around Ibrox this last wee while I take it to be
a sign of weakness rather than one of innovation.

GRANDMASTER SUCK