777 Partners to veto Everton talks to seal behind-the-scenes agreement due to controversy
777 Partners must veto the decision for Everton to change their kit manufacturer to Castore after the recent controversy at Aston Villa.
As reported by The Telegraph (2 October), the Toffees are set to switch from Hummel to the British manufacturer, who currently makes the kits for Rangers and Newcastle United.
However, the Villans’ Castore-designed kit this season faced fresh controversy. The kits absorb an abnormal amount of sweat, making them heavy and revealing. Should their takeover go through, 777 should veto this decision and opt for another manufacturer.
777 has had a bad history with Castore already. Genoa, a 777-owned club, terminated its multi-year deal with Castore after a single year due to delivery and supply issues.
But the controversy over at Villa Park would be the main point of contention for the deal. Villa have subsequently terminated their relationship with the brand and are seeking a new partnership for next season. The Toffees would not want to make the same mistake.
Aston Villa players have complained that the shirt is impacting their performances, and the Toffees certainly don’t need anything else to hinder their performances on the pitch. While Castore will be unlikely to make the same mistake again in an effort to avoid another high-profile controversy, 777’s previous history with the company may deter them from reigniting their relationship.
While Sevilla have agreed on a partnership with Castore too, 777 only have a minority stake in the La Liga outfit so may have little say regarding their relationship.
Castore have taken a big hit to their reputation. They were successful in disrupting the heavy market of football kit manufacturers, but the setback in Birmingham will put potential new deals at stake. Everton should not be in the market for more risks.
In other Everton news, a Sky Sports pundit has singled out one “brilliant” Toffees man for what he did against Luton.