Notts County fans may be left disappointed on Christmas morning this year as the club has revealed delays in the delivery of their in-demand away shirt.
The mint-coloured away strip was so popular that it sold out in record time earlier this year.
Since then, the delivery time for more shirts, sponsored by local artist Jake Bugg, has been anything but like a ‘lightning bolt’.
However, the club have this morning released a statement explaining the reason for the delay.
“Due to issues relating to Covid-19, the delivery of our new batch of away shirts has regrettably been delayed.
“Following unprecedented sales, our incredibly popular away shirt sold out in record time ahead of the 2021-22 campaign.
“This prompted us to place an additional order, with the new stock initially expected to arrive in time for Christmas.
“Unfortunately, following rising infection rates in Vietnam where PUMA’s factory is based, a regional lockdown affected timescales but staff are now back to work,” a club statement explained.
The number of new daily Covid-19 cases in Vietnam hit a record high this week, as the Omicron variant continues to spread across the world.
Vietnam has suffered 200,819 cases in the last fortnight, the most out of any country in the region.
Notts added: “We are working closely with PUMA to ascertain when the shirts will be delivered but, in the meantime, if you have a question about your order please email magpiestore@nottscountyfc.co.uk or call 0115 955 7200.
“The club apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
However, the delay has left some Notts fans feeling frustrated.
One supporter, Jon Crane said: “Ordered one for my lad’s birthday in September. Told it would be mid-November. Now January. Poor service.”
Meanwhile, another fan suggested the club solve the issue by keeping the kit for the 2022/23 season.
Chris Gosling said: “Let’s be honest, that is a mick take, the season will be well into the second half and fans are forking out for a full price kit that they’ll get half the use of.
“They should have known (that) this kit was going to be popular and ordered appropriately,” he added.
“I think the club should follow Brentford’s lead and keep the away kit for next season.”
Although it remains unclear whether the away shirt will be available for Magpies supporters to buy before the big day, the home shirt is in stock and available to purchase.
