2024 has been a year of change, unrest, disappointment and upheaval as Rangers lurch from one problem to the next with Philippe Clement at the helm.
The manager has had to deal with a lot of the problems, however, the hastily rebuilt squad is starting to show signs of improvement with the stirring draw against Spurs at Ibrox a glimpse into what they are capable of.
Off the field still needs a lot of work with the departure of commercial director Karim Virani a source of frustration with the merchandising deal with Castore up for renewal at the end of the 2024/25 season.
- READ MORE: Philippe Clement hails Rangers duo ‘growing and getting better’ as £1.5m man bounces back
Rangers to ditch Castore for Umbro in kit deal change
According to Footy Headlines – who broke leaked images of this season’s strips – Rangers are set to extend the deal with Castore – in a way.
If the report is accurate, Rangers will still be partnered with Castore beyond the conclusion of the current five-year deal, but with a subtle twist.
There will be no sign of the Castore branding anywhere on Rangers’ kit, at Ibrox or at Auchenhowie.
Instead, after an agreement signed in March 2024, Castore will produce Rangers products under a license with Umbro – if a deal is confirmed.
Castore have secured exclusive rights to work with clubs like Hearts, Bournemouth, Brentford and West Ham United, who are currently sponsored by Umbro.
Do Nike still own English sportswear giants Umbro?
The current owners of the famous English sportswear firm is the Iconix Brands Group, who bought Umbro off Nike in 2012 for $225m (£178m).
Rangers and Umbro have a long history together with iconic kits from the 1970s, 1980s and 21st century too.
A lot of trophies have been lifted by Rangers captains wearing Umbro, most recently in 2011 and David Weir, in terms of major honours that is.
For Rangers, not much would really change in terms of who they are dealing with and the priority should making sure that as much money as possible goes to the club to help increase the revenue and bottom line.
