NIKE has issued an apology to Coventry City supporters after stocks of the club’s home shirt ran out, according to the club website.
The company confirmed it expects the home shirt to be available in September although a precise date has not yet been provided, said CCFC.co.uk.
It added Sky Blues representatives met with Nike and JustSport last Thursday (August 9) to discuss issues with the availability of the new home kit.
During the meeting officials said they expressed their ‘frustration and disappointment’ while conveying the anger of supporters at the lack of shirts available.
The replica shirt has been out of stock since last month.
Club officials say it was confirmed that the availability issues stem from problems at the Nike factory with delays in materials.
But the club did acknowledge the huge popularity of the custom-made shirt may have contributed to the issue following the club’s promotion to League One.
The CCFC website had quoted Nike personnel as saying: “On behalf of Nike I would like to apologise for the delay in getting the home shirt back into stock and would like to assure you we are doing everything we can to resolve this issue as quickly as possible”.
Dave Boddy, the club’s chief executive, said: “After ongoing dialogue during the last month, we met face to face with Nike and JustSport on Thursday.
“While the shirt sales were excellent and the design popular, we remain bitterly disappointed at the availability issues and have again raised this in the strongest terms.
“A delivery date of September is not what fans will want to hear, and for this delay we are sorry on behalf of Nike and JustSport.
“We are confident they are working hard to expediate this process where they can, and will remain in dialogue with them on this issue.”
All other shirts and items are still available.
The club says fans are still able to pre-order the shirt at ccfc.clubstore.co.uk, and receive a free gift.
Fans who have pre-ordered already and would like a refund, can contact [email protected]
UPDATE: The Observer has invited Nike to comment further.
