Details on Newcastle United Castore break-up unveiled as Aston Villa stars share concerns

Aston Villa kit makers Castore are in the limelight this week following controversy over the side's sweat-retaining shirts with concerns raised by first-team players.

The clothing brand also produces kit for clubs across the continent including Wolves, Rangers, Bayern Leverkusen and Sevilla, as well as Newcastle United, who recently ended their kit deal with Castore.

The Telegraph reports that the Magpies' decision to axe ties with the brand and move forward with Adidas next season, was not a result of discontent over how shirts were being manufactured.

Newcastle United reportedly ended its contract with Castore after receiving 'complaints from supporters over the poor quality' of kits and after 'many complaints about customer service'. The club reported 'no problems' from first-team players over the quality of kits since the partnership first began in 2021.

Aston Villa are now working with Castore to improve the kit design following the concerns shared by squad members and members of the women's team. Reports emerged on Wednesday that several female players do not want to wear the kit in this weekend's Women's Super League opener against Manchester United.

Issues around the design centre on the shirts retaining sweat and feeling uncomfortable. Villa Women had played in the kit during pre-season but, according to Sky Sports, had made no official complaint to the club or PFA.

Unai Emery's side sported the kit during Wednesday's 2-1 defeat to Everton in the Carabao Cup and are set to pull it on again when playing Brighton at Villa Park on Saturday.

Aston Villa began a multi-year partnership with Castore last summer. At the time, Pascal Lafitte, Director of Partnerships at Castore, said: “Aston Villa is the perfect fit for Castore due to their growth ambitions and relentless desire to innovate, on the pitch and with their partners, and we are beyond excited to be partnering with the club.

“We can’t wait to get started with them next season and challenge each other to push the boundaries of everything we will do together."