Doncaster Rovers announce new kit deal with FBT

Doncaster Rovers and Club Doncaster have announced an innovative three-year kit partnership with Asian manufacturer FBT.
Harry Middleton and Craig Alcock model some of Rovers' new training wear with manufacturer FBTHarry Middleton and Craig Alcock model some of Rovers' new training wear with manufacturer FBT
Harry Middleton and Craig Alcock model some of Rovers' new training wear with manufacturer FBT

The Thai-based company will supply Rovers' kit and training wear for next season as well as Club Doncaster Foundation and training gear for the Dons.

This will be FBT's first foray into the European market. They are a well-established in Asia and have a partnership with the Oman national team.

The shortlist of designs on which Rovers supporters will voteThe shortlist of designs on which Rovers supporters will vote
The shortlist of designs on which Rovers supporters will vote
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Rovers chief executive Gavin Baldwin insisted the welfare of supporters was at the heart of the deal.

"From my point of view this is the first time we've been able to negotiate a deal we hope is for the fans," Baldwin said.

"We can demonstrate our commitment to the fans. This is it.

"Hopefully every contract we negotiate in the future will have the fans at heart. That was the basis of the decision.

Rovers' new training wear from manufacturer FBTRovers' new training wear from manufacturer FBT
Rovers' new training wear from manufacturer FBT

"They're a family-owned company and we're a family-owned club, it just ties in brilliantly.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Their aspirations for the future for us, are really exciting."

Rovers' new home and away kits for next season have been designed by supporters with the shortlist unveiled this evening.

The designs have been put to a vote with supporters selecting their favourites.

Rovers defender Craig Alcock models some of Rovers' new training wear alongside the shortlist of designs for the club's new home and away kitsRovers defender Craig Alcock models some of Rovers' new training wear alongside the shortlist of designs for the club's new home and away kits
Rovers defender Craig Alcock models some of Rovers' new training wear alongside the shortlist of designs for the club's new home and away kits

And the winning designers of each kit will be flown to Thailand to press the starting button on the manufacturing process and take home the first shirt off the production line.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Former RFL chairman Sir Rodney Walker is chair of FBT Europe and is confident Rovers supporters will be pleased with the quality of the kit.

"All I can say is that everyone at Doncaster who has seen it say they are the best that they have ever seen," he said.

"Everyone connected with the Football League Trust say it's the best quality they have seen.

The shortlist of designs on which Rovers supporters will voteThe shortlist of designs on which Rovers supporters will vote
The shortlist of designs on which Rovers supporters will vote

"The people we deal with in Oman would not allow us to have the contract if they had not been happy.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I'm happy for the fans to be the judge of the quality. And they will no doubt tell us very quickly if they are not happy.

"I'm not expecting that."

As part of the new deal, the club shop and the ticket office will be knocked into one to create a megastore which will be operated by FBT.

The club and manufacturer are aiming to have the kits in the shop by June 1, when it is also hoped the new megastore will be opened.