Shirt Cock Up - An Explanation

Argyle have released the following (quite thorough statement) on the issues surrounding the Replica Kits-

Quote :

We are aware of some issues caused by the fit and supply of this season’s replica shirt.
We are sorry for any disappointment caused and are happy to address these issues fully.

FIT

Like many of you, we have noticed a certain ‘snugness’ of fit of this season’s replica shirt, resulting in fans having to upsize from their normal size.

For instance, supporters who normally slip comfortably into a Large, are finding that an XLarge, or even an XXLarge, is more appropriate with the current shirt design.

There are two reasons for this, according to our kit suppliers, Puma.

The first is that, because of administration, our shirts last year were “off the shelf stock options”. Anyone could buy the same shirt that our first-team wore from any high street shop.

These shirts, which are mass produced for a mass market, are slightly larger than the bespoke shirts that Puma manufactures for clubs.

So, if you could squeeze into a Large 2011-12 shirt, you probably will not be able to do so this season.

Secondly, the bespoke shirt that Puma provide to clubs is a “tailored/athletic fit”, which has always been a hallmark of their product-range.

The current trend is to minimise the cut under the arms. Apart from anything else, this helps prevent players getting their shirts pulled as much during games because the shirts are flush to the body.

Therefore, although the chest measurement is barely different from previous years, the shirt will feel different because of the tight-fit style.

SUPPLY

In an ordinary year, we will begin the process of choosing and ordering our new kits for the following season well before Christmas.

This is because, given the quantities we require to sell to you in the Argyle Superstore or online, several months of “lead time” are required to design, approve and manufacture the kit.

We normally like to have it available for the first team to wear in the final match of the season, and for fans to buy at the start of the summer. At the latest.

Last year, this process was delayed by the knock-on effects of our coming out of administration, which resulted in the kits not being available until the very start of this season, around three months later than we would have liked.

THE PERFECT STORM

The cut of the kit and the enforced lateness of our order created something of a perfect storm

We placed our 2012-13 order on the very sensible basis of sales in previous years, as well adding a XXXL size into the mix for the first time.

However, since a lot of supporters have needed to upsize, we have experienced a rush on the bigger sizes.

The order was scheduled to “drop” in two parts: August and September. There is little point in taking orders post September because:

i) as we have learnt from experience, there is not enough time left in the season to shift the stock; and

ii) from autumn on, everyone’s focus and resources are concentrated on the kit for the following season.

Therefore, both drops were ordered before we and you discovered the fitting anomaly.

Had we discovered it in May, there may well have been an option to vary the second-drop and order greater numbers of the bigger sizes.

IN CONCLUSION

The September drop has arrived.

We will happily exchange any shirts that we can for those of a larger size.

If we cannot exchange a shirt, we will refund your money.

We apologise for any problems you may have encountered because of the size and/or the availability of the shirts.

We assure you that we have learnt from the experience.

We promise that we will do whatever is in our powers to ensure such a situation does not arise again.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

An Explanation

BRENT OUT

So it's all to stop people grabbing your shirt when there's a queue for the pastys?

At least they took the time to issue something and have offered exchanges or refunds. Much better than the staff accusing people of being fat and suggesting weigh watchers.

Much more professional.

Bloody hell, Pasoti will have "legitimate" auctions for the next 5 years to shift that lot.

Didn't the Trust raise this with the club. If so, (again) who needs the GasBoard.

24 hour auction of sweat stained 2012/13 home shirts, all with unusually large nipple imprints.

Worn by various high profile fans, some of whom sit in the directors box and there is a possibility that James Brent may have patted the shoulder of one of them.

Limited edition of 798, all marked large or XL but may well fit the Chinese gymnastics team rather better.
All authentically signed by the Chinese gold medallist PU MA.

I have an absentee bid of £750 the lot from Endsleigh Garden Centre for their gnome exhibition so am looking for bids in excess of this.

What's that nikkk? You bid £1000000 but don't want any publicity? Don't worry matey I'll only converse with you through my secure Flickr account, then no one needs to know it's you who paid for the 24ct bronze postbox in the form of Tom Daley in his pants.

The new shirts suck, when the Aldershot players ran out it was hard to distinguish between their Black tops and Argyles so called green ones.

Yet another epic fail.

With all respect why would Puma produce the "athletic" kit for football fans? Have they ever been to a football ground?

Having said that it seems a plausible explanation.

Well done the GASB for liaising with the club.....oh, they're not due to meet until 2018. The US Presidential election is shorter.

punchdrunk wrote:

The new shirts suck, when the Aldershot players ran out it was hard to distinguish between their Black tops and Argyles so called green ones.

Yet another epic fail.

I thought the same at the Aldershot game. Maybe we should wear yellow at home when we play the dark coloured kits

:get down the gym fat cnuts of the world,

tcm wrote:

:get down the gym fat cnuts of the world,

It's Pasoti you want to say that on Mike, most people on here don't need a wide load sticker and won't be queuing up at the club shop tomorrow asking for a green and white tarpaulin.

just a bit concerned about the nation jock, ive noticed they all seem to congregate in newton abbot asda,

tcm wrote:

just a bit concerned about the nation jock, ive noticed they all seem to congregate in newton abbot asda,

It's two for one on panty liners Mike, they're all stock piling.

Chemical Ali wrote:

punchdrunk wrote:

The new shirts suck, when the Aldershot players ran out it was hard to distinguish between their Black tops and Argyles so called green ones.

Yet another epic fail.

I thought the same at the Aldershot game. Maybe we should wear yellow at home when we play the dark coloured kits

At least you'd be able to tell who was who

Chemical Ali wrote:

Maybe we should wear yellow at home when we play the dark coloured kits

You'd just be another bunch of wannabees trying to look like Torquay United, we have enough trouble with Brazil!

punchdrunk wrote:

The new shirts suck, when the Aldershot players ran out it was hard to distinguish between their Black tops and Argyles so called green ones.

Yet another epic fail.

I know you older lot will be starting to strugle with your sight. I could easily distinguish between them and i expect most could.