'Doesn't look like a Pools shirt', 'What was wrong with blue and white stripes?' – Hartlepool United fans react to new home shirt reveal

Pools are set to open the National League campaign in their new kit against Aldershot Town at Victoria Park this Saturday (3pm kick-off).

For the second season running, the club has stepped away from the more traditional blue and white striped design and opted for something different with a patterned blue jersey with two curved white lines across the torso.

This season’s home shirt by O’Neills went on sale to fans on Thursday morning. Adult shirts are priced at £39.99 and juniors £32.99.

The kit launch also revealed Pools’ new front of shirt sponsors for the upcoming campaign after the £80,000 a season deal with Utility Alliance ended in the summer. The Prestige Group, owned by Hartlepool chairman Raj Singh, now has its logo feature on the front of the home shirt.

Following the launch of the new shirt, Pools acting executive director Martin Jesper told the club website: “O’Neills have done a great job in producing our home kit, particularly given the significant disruption caused by Covid.

"We are proud to once again be wearing the famous blue of Hartlepool United. I would also like to welcome our kit sponsors for the season ahead: the Prestige Group, Evolution Risk Assurance and Learning Curve for their commitment in supporting the Club through the ongoing uncertainty.”

But the launch was met by a decidedly mixed reaction from supporters, who took to Twitter to voice their opinions…

Brian Powell commented: “Sorry to be a negative Nancy, but that’s not a good shirt design. Seems like not much effort has been put in. Miss our stripes.

"Agree that it matters more about what we perform like on the pitch. However, a well-designed shirt would generate more sales and income for the club! Personal opinion of it is that it’s very poor. Onto Saturday though and 3 points!”

Monkey Boy was not impressed either: “Seen better strips worn by over 40’s Sunday league pub teams, well at least that’s £40 saved!”

Michael Carr tweeted: “Massively dislike it. Doesn’t look like a pools shirt at all.”

@Danthom03 reacted: “Looks ok. Still not sure why we have avoided stripes for so long now.”

Jeff Hewitson added: “Awful, blue and white stripes is all we ever want.”

Joe Bolwell commented: “Think the kit is bang average to be honest. Really dunno what was wrong with blue and white stripes?”

Michael Spindloe said: “Just wish the club would let the fans decide, offer 3 options and all vote.”

With the away and goalkeeper kit announcements still pending, @Douggy1908 wants more: “Not a fan of it, how come we never announce the home, away and gk kits like every other club?”

@Liverlepool responded to the image of Ryan Donaldson in the new kit: “Looks better in that shot. The official marketing image did it no favours yesterday. End of the day, if we’re winning who cares?”

@MbwLdurham was more positive: “Love it, that is well nice.”

David Garthwaite agreed: “Seems like I’m in the minority but I like it.”

@HallyDesigns added: “Really smart, neat and tidy, don't get the hate tbh.”

Following a picture of summer signing Claudio Ofosu wearing the new shirt, Ross Milburn tweeted: “Okay, now I love it.”

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