Umbro signs kit deal with reformed New York Cosmos

MANCHESTER-based sportswear brand Umbro has announced that it has agreed a deal to become the kit supplier for the newly-reformed New York Cosmos.

The iconic club, which recruited some of the world’s most famous players such as Pele and Johan Cryuff to compete in the now defunct North American Soccer League in the 1970s, has been restarted by English businessman Paul Kelmsley –  a former director of Tottenham Hotspur. He has recruited Pele to become its honorary president.

The club will open academies in New York City and Los Angeles to develop future stars and is reported to be working towards securing a franchise in the top flight Major League Soccer competition.

Trevor Cairns, Umbro’s chief marketing officer, said: “Umbro was a partner of The New York Cosmos during the 1970s when they were unquestionably the world’s coolest football club.

“It’s a great opportunity to once again be involved with the club and we are committed to working with them to develop world-class soccer players worthy to wear the legendary New York Cosmos crest. From the reaction we’ve had from the few people who’ve seen the line, we’re confident it will become a modern day classic.”

Umbro, which was bought by US sportwear giant Nike three years ago in a £285m deal, said that the new Cosmos shirt will be available from December.