There is a possibility Premier League Newcastle United will “explore” an early exit from their deal with official Rangers kit partners Castore, according to a Toon insider.
The Magpies signed a deal with Castore prior to the sale of the club from Mike Ashley to the Saudi-backed billionaire PIF in 2021.
But now one high-profile Newcastle United journalist has claimed that the St James’ Park side may look elsewhere because the retailer is struggling to cope with the demands of supporters.
Speaking to Loaded Mag NUFC, journalist Jordan Cronin – who covers Newcastle United extensively for the likes of Newcastle World – believes that Castore are currently under the microscope.
Cronin also reckons that Newcastle United might be aiming to secure Adidas such is the iconic relationship between the sportswear giant and the Tyneside outfit.
“They haven’t been able to deal with the demand of Newcastle United fans wanting shirts, and there is a possibility that Newcastle will explore an early exit from the Castore deal,” said Cronin.
“There’s certainly scope to get Castore out early and maybe go back to having that sentimental feeling of having Adidas on the shirt because obviously, we all remember Adidas from the ‘Entertainers’ years.”
Newcastle Utd reconsidering partnership with Rangers retailers Castore
Rangers’ relationship with Castore has been an over-the-piece positive one as the club looks to finally get its retail operations back on track following years of tumultuous boardroom struggles.
The Gers support had boycotted the club’s retail for years after the signing of a poorly-weighted retail deal with High St magnate and former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley and his brand Sports Direct.
Castore offered Rangers an initial escape for the hectic retail operations of the last decade, with even the contract signed with Hummel/Elite Sports winding up in the courtroom.
Rangers are now firmly looking to put that era behind them – with the club’s latest accounts revealing an £8m settlement with Ashley and co – and Castore are firmly at the centre of that.
But as positive as Castore have been for Rangers as a club, there have been plenty of issues for supporters relating to customer service, a lack of quality and an inability to cope with demand.
These issues have settled recently as Castore have got more experience in the world of football, with the Rangers deal – the retailer’s first in the beautiful game – helping the brand to secure contracts with the likes of Newcastle United.
Castore now boast an impressive partnership roster that includes Aston Villa, Wolves, Bayer Leverkusen, Genoa and Sevilla but it appears their deal with Newcastle United is under review.
Meanwhile, a controversial figure in Rangers history is set to represent his nation at the World Cup.
