THE VICS COLUMN - by commercial manager Paul Bazley

MORE exciting news from the Club this week as we unveiled our new third strip at Saturday’s fixture against Hanley Town.

The shirt is based on an original iconic design worn in the 1980 season by some legends of our club, none more so than Mr Vics himself, Kenny Jones.

We needed a third strip to work alongside our existing 145th anniversary shirt at the request of away kit sponsors Anderton Concrete who have been unbelievable with their support.

The strip was once again designed in conjunction with the Northwich based Buccaneer Sports who helped come up with another retro looking shirt using the latest modern techniques and fabric.

The design element of my commercial role is something I really enjoy as it is every nine-year-old’s dream to design football kits let alone this 49-years olds!

We have had this shirt waiting to be released since early in the season but were waiting for the right moment to launch it.

With it being such an historical shirt, we wanted to be able to use some club legends in the promotion of it.

And we were delighted and privileged to have such guests at the game on Saturday.

Firstly Dave Ryan, a 1984 FA trophy winner with the Vics,who was also part of the team that wore the original strip.

And secondly, Steve Walters Club ambassador and founder member of the incredible Offside Trust and he was also a FA Trophy finalist with the club in1996.

Lastly, but definitely not least, Michael Carr, who was a legendary player of the 2006 Conference North winning side.

He also played in the FA Cup 3rd round tie at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light that season.

It was great to have these amazing players from our amazing history to help launch this new kit.

Michael also spoke of his love for the Vics.

“ It’s the club where I enjoyed my football the most in my career.

“It’s always been a great family club with a great non league heritage, but the thing that sets the Vics aside is the incredibly loyal support of the fans.

“ I look back with great memories of them singing my name, ‘Michael Carr My Lord’.

“The huge support at Sunderland and the large number of volunteers who turn up to help paint the ground.

“I am delighted for them that they now own and run the club and wish them all the best for the forthcoming seasons.”

The club is also privileged to provide awareness of our two chosen charities on the kit, namely the Northwich based Tiny Steps & the Offside Trust.

Our magnificent supporters also presented another cheque from fund raising to Steve for £400 before Saturday’s match.

Information on these wonderful organizations can be found at www.tiny-steps.co.uk and www.offsidetrust.com, so please take a look and support them in whatever way you can.

The replica shirt can be obtained online at www.bswsports.co.uk or you can place an order at our Club Shop at any home match.

Up the Trickies!