Newcastle United's classy parting message to Castore as £35m Adidas boost confirmed

Newcastle United have paid special tribute to Castore after the kit manufacturer was replaced by Adidas.

The Magpies released their 2024/25 home and goalkeeper shirts on Friday morning, with fans flocking to St James' Park to queue for the 8am opening of the club's new temporary store. The Adidas arrival sparks a new era on Tyneside, with fans expecting to part ways with their hard-earned cash on authentic, replica, training and retro gear in the coming weeks and months.

Financially, the deal will also elevate Newcastle's revenue given the fact they are set to pocket £40m-a-year from their Adidas deal, an increase of £35m from their previous agreement with Castore. The change drags the north east outfit significantly closer to their Premier League counterparts, with Arsenal earning £60m-per-year via their Adidas deal, while Liverpool and Chelsea each pocket £60m each season due to their Nike sponsorship.

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The Castore partnership wasn't always what some Newcastle supporters expected but the club have parted ways with the manufacturers on good terms after sending a classy parting message.

"Newcastle United wish to express sincere gratitude to Castore. Over the past three seasons, Castore has been a key partner during a resurgent chapter for Newcastle United," a Newcastle statement read. "The sportswear brand has contributed to the trajectory of the club by providing quality clothing products, for both the men’s and women’s teams, along with our academy squads, and of course our supporters.

"The Castore logo has embellished bespoke kits proudly worn – both on the pitch and in the stands – during a period that will be fondly remembered by supporters. Highlights on the pitch include the long-awaited UEFA Champions League return and evolutionary back-to-back promotions for Newcastle United Women; Castore has walked alongside the club on every step of the journey. Thank you, Castore."

Fans queued in their droves for the official launch of the new home shirt on Friday, with some arriving in the early hours of the morning to secure their spot before the official 8am release. Those waiting in line before the opening of the club's temporary Adidas store were greeted by the Newcastle United boardroom duo, Darren Eales and Peter Silverstone, who took the time to shake hands and mingle with supporters before the doors swung open and the cash registers were switched on.

Speaking about the new partnership, Nick Craggs, Global Football General Manager, adidas, said: “The partnership between adidas and Newcastle United is iconic, and we are excited to unveil the home kit for the upcoming season. Our previous collaboration marked so many unforgettable moments for the club, and we’re looking forward to creating these on and off the pitch once again. Bringing fans and players closer together this season.”