Proof that we’re all still hard at work here at Umbro Towers…

You might think that all of us here at Umbro eat, sleep and drink football – and you’d be right. However, when we’re not debating whether Liverpool have turned a corner or if Newcastle are going to run away with the Championship, we do have an interest in other things. Here’s some of the favourite things of 2009 picked by Umbro’s staff: music, films, television, books, and our top footballing moments….

Music

There was a real range of musical styles represented by Umbro’s staff, but one record clearly got more votes than any other: Kasabian’s West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum. The Leicester band’s psychedelic third album was a clear winner, with its closest rival (Empire Of The Sun’s self-titled LP) mustering just two votes. Other records suggested by the Umbro gang included:

Wild Beasts’ Two Dancers, Imelda May’s Love Tattoo, Gallow’s Grey Britain, Vitalic’s Flashmob, Manic Street Preachers’ Journal For Plague Lovers, British Sea Power’s Man of Aran, Take That’s The Circus, U2’s No Line On The Horizon, La Roux’s self-titled album, The Silversun Pickups’ Swoon, XX by The XX and Blakroc’s rap-rock collaboration.

For our favourite tracks of the year, there was no clear winner, with a wide range of tracks picked out. Highlights are:

Uprising by Muse, In For The Kill (Skream remix) by La Roux, Black Eyes by Gallows, Rabbit Heart by Florence & The Machine, My Girls by Animal Collective, She Wolf by Shakira, Two Weeks by Grizzly Bear and Bonkers by Dizzee Rascal.You can imagine the fights we have over the stereo here at Umbro Towers!

Film

Not sure what it says about Umbro’s weekend habits, but The Hangover seems to have rung a bell with our staff, winning the most votes for favourite film. Once again, votes for other films were spread across a few titles, with Pixar’s charming Up and alien allegory District 9 the only other films to gain a pair of votes. Elsewhere, other films picked out were: Up, Ice Age 3, Harry Brown, Monsters Vs Aliens, The Damned Utd, Watchmen, Twlight – New Moon and Inglourious…

TV

The fact that we’re all big football fans here at Umbro is obvious, but the fact that Match Of The Day and the Football League Show were both picked out as some of our favourite television shows. Elsewhere, American imports such as Entourage and Lost were picked out, while UK comedies Gavin & Stacey, Peep Show and The Inbetweeners were also chosen. The fact that votes were cast for The Thick Of It and Stephen Fry’s Last Chance To See at least shows that the more cerebral mind does lurk somewhere along Umbro’s corridors.

Books

Asking Umbro staff about their favourite books of 2009 provoked some strange reactions. ‘I don’t have time to read!’ was quite common, as was the usual jokes about The Yellow Pages. However, there were some sensible suggestions, with the Twilight series of books featuring heavily. Elsewhere, Peter Hook’s How Not To Run A Club struck a chord, as did Victoria Hislop’s The Island, Iain Banks’ Transition, Antonia Frazer’s Marie Antoinette and Mark E Smith’s Renegade showed that at least a couple of us appreciate some culture!

Football

Asked for their favourite footballers and favourite football moments, Umbro’s staff turned into the usual tribal beasts, with plenty of one upmanship at play. Lionel Messi was a clear winner for favourite player, with Jimmy Bullard coming second, but a sign of the teams supported here at Umbro comes with the news that Newcastle’s Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan were nominated alongside Ryan Giggs, Shaun Wright Philips, Darren ‘Twitter’ Bent, John Terry and Preston North End’s Ross Wallace.

Football moments varied so much, it’s probably easiest if we just quote some of our esteemed colleagues…

“Me winning the Umbro International 5-a-side Tournament”

“Boro getting relegated”

“Thierry Henry handing France a ticket to South Africa”

“Bent’s assist to the beach ball”

“Beating Chelsea and Arsenal in the same week”

“Wolfsburg winning the Bundesliga to show Europe that there are teams outside the Champions League.”

And for those of us that got to do it a couple of weeks ago, it had to be… “playing at Wembley!”

We thought that people would be interested in getting to know people at Umbro a little bit more, and so with that in mind, we went and had a chat with our new CEO Jim Allaker about all things football. Jim only joined the Umbro team a couple of months ago, but managed to find the time to tell us about his love for Sunderland and what he’s looking forward to here at Umbro.

Name: Becky                                                                                      

How long have you been here and what do you do?

I have been in the business for 14 months working as a Visual Merchandiser within the UK team focusing on Sports Direct stores. More recently, I moved to the Global Retail Marketing team where I will be looking after UK accounts and global product on a visual merchandising basis.

What would other people say you did?

Alongside my side kick people would say we are the visual link for the UK accounts. Making sure product looks ‘pretty’ and displayed in the best possible way. Also maker of a good cup of tea!

How is Umbro changing?

I am very excited about the the face of Umbro and where we are taking the brand. Umbro is becoming a modern football brand.

Where would you like to see it going?

Everywhere, total domination! To be the cool brand to be seen in would be great!

What do you think is the best/worst kit that Umbro have produced?

I love the new England shirt as it is totally different from any other shirts Umbro have designed. Even us girls can wear one and look good!

What memory of football do you hold most dear?

I remember being at college in september 2001 watching England vs. Germany in a World Cup qualifier. The atmosphere was electric with Michael Owen scoring a hat-trick and England went on to win 5-1! It was a great match and fantastic win.

If I wasn’t doing this, I’d be…

A fashion photographer! Think of those ‘A list’ swanky parties and male models!

Name: Emma (left of image)                                                                  

How long have you been there and what do you do?

I’ve been with Umbro for just over two and a half years. I work in the Global Marketing team but as the UK’s Brand manager.

What would other people say you did?

Cared too much about spread sheets and organisation would figure somewhere. That comes hand in hand with being bossy – so that would be another. And, if I was feeling generous, I’d like to think that others think that I make things happen and generally get things done.

How is Umbro changing?

I think the vibe around Umbro at the moment is great. We have that feeling of being a real salt of the earth, underground, cool brand.

Where would you like to see it going?

Of course, I can’t wait for the time when the Umbro brand is ‘cool’ again and truly think it’s not too far off. Long term – I guess I’d like to see it maintaining some of its character, underground coolness at the same time as being a cult brand. Definitely along the Converse line…

What do you think is the best/worst kit that Umbro has produced?

Best = England Home ‘09, without a doubt. I go for the minimalist look so love its uncluttered feel. Worst = anything from the late 80’s/early 90’s.

What memory of football do you hold most dear?

I used to work at Saints and came from a non-footballing background so my first game there was my first ever. It was November ‘02 and Saints played Pompey at home which needs no explanation. After the match, one of the security people (a lady to add insult to injury I might add) had to escort me to my car because I was ‘mildly’ concerned I might get lynched. I think that particular game in itself made me fall in love with the overall feeling of going to a match, supporting a team and being able to swear like a trooper in front of family, friends and colleagues… No questions asked!!

If I wasn’t doing this, I’d be…

In my fantasy world I’d work in fashion… if I had more brains and staying power I should have been a lawyer – I’m not frightened of a healthy ‘debate’ if it needs to be raised… in reality I’d probably be a social worker/counsellor type.

Name: Helene                                                                                              

How long have you been here and what do you do?

I have been here for 12 years now… and it feels like it’s only been 12 days! I am the Head of Brand Operations and part of the Global marketing team.

What would other people say you did?

Scaring the living day lights out of our licensees (and new employees, who don’t know that I am actually quite a softie).

How is Umbro changing?

The last 18 months have been a fantastic roller-coaster ride and I feel very privileged being a part of it. Umbro is changing in ways I could not have dreamt of 18 months ago – the collaborative culture, the great working environment, the people joining from different companies/areas and bringing new inspiration. I have always loved Umbro (the brand has this way of getting under your skin) – but I could not be more proud and happy to work for Umbro than I am now.

Where would you like to see it going?

I really want us to be a cool football brand. I want the energy, hard work, passion and love we put into the brand infect the consumer in the same way! I just want them to love the brand as much as we do!

What do you think is the best/worst kit that Umbro has produced?

Best – the last England home Kit – every time I see it, I go: “Wow, it looks so smart (and even JT looks quite dishy).” Worst – Grey Manchester United Kit from 1996.

What memory of football do you hold most dear?

Oh well, I was not going to say anything about this – but you are asking me to be honest and here you go: World Cup 1990 Final (as I was there when we – you know who I mean – won). And then for good measure, 1954 World Cup Final (just to clarify – I wasn’t personally there, I’m not that old!); and the 1970 World Cup final (was probably sitting in front of the telly with my parents but can’t really remember).

If I wasn’t doing this, I’d be…

Good question… maybe work as a scary children’s entertainer???

This weekend the Premier League finally kicks-off. We, for one, are really looking forward to what lies ahead and, in particular, to seeing our six Premier league clubs running out in their Umbro kits. Above, you can see six of the Umbro Design Department showing off the kits for the season ahead. Here’s a little more about them and their involvement in the kits:

Name/Kit/Role: Danielle, Manchester City (home), Developer of the MCFC ‘09 kits and associated training package.

Involvement in kit: I developed the garments after receiving the designs, working on all aspects such as making sure the colour is right, as well as construction and fit of the garments. I progressed the range from prototype through to the finished article.

Dream kit – already done or yet to be done? I loved working on the MCFC ‘09 project as it was such a new and exciting range for Umbro and I am proud to say that I was involved with such a successful, and well received, collection. If Umbro ever had the contract then I’d love to work on an international kit such as Brazil, as a little research trip to Rio would go down a treat!

Name/Kit/Role: James, Blackburn Rovers (home), Designer.

Involvement in kit: I created the concept for the 2009 Blackburn kit; researched and built up a story that delves into the traditions of the club but kept it contemporary  by utilising modern fabrics and techniques. I also met with the players, coaching staff, commercial team and kit man to gather insight on the performance side of what a kit needs to achieve on the pitch. Along with that, I created artworks for the crest, sponsors and trim details – making sure they were within FA and Premier League regulations, and finally worked with our great technical team to get the final product.

Dream kit – already done, or yet to be done? I have worked on a lot of teams in my time here so I can say I have done my dream kit. My favourite one was the Blackburn Rovers red/black halved away in 07/08. Ireland is also one that gives me a great deal of pride to create so that is in there. I don’t think I could pick a dream kit that I would like to do as there are several, but it would probably be between Scotland because of Umbro’s legacy and history with the national team; Celtic because of their tradition and iconic style; and Real Madrid because of the clean simplicity of the all white.

Name/Kit/Role: Ruth, West Ham United (home), Development Technician.

Involvement in kit: I didn’t actually work on these kits as I didn’t start until March this year.

Dream kit – already done, or yet to be done? I don’t really have a ‘dream kit’ but I do think Barcelona are commendable for their commitment to charity, and wearing the UNICEF logo on their shirts. Also, I’m led to believe it’s quite a nice city and worth a visit!

Name/Role: Robin, Birmingham City (home), Licensed Apparel Product Line Merchandiser

Involvement in the kit: My involvement with the kit is working with our Design Team to formalise the design direction for any given season; and on completion, for then to work with the sales team together with the guys that look after the clubs to ensure the kit delivers the aesthetic the club have bought into.

Dream kit – already done, or yet to be done? Regarding a dream kit to work on, as the top team in England I’d have to say that the Man United kit would be the best. But, with years of playing in a half built stadium, I think it’s about time Halifax Town got some preferential treatment.

Name/Role: Susan, Sunderland FC (home), Development Technician

Involvement in kit: Unfortunately I didn’t work on the jerseys as I have only been with the company a few months. I am currently working on training wear for Sunderland, amongst other clubs, for next season.

Dream kit – already done, or yet to be done? If I had to pick a dream kit to work on, it would be the Scotland Jersey. Hopefully, in the future, Umbro will make their kits again!

Name/Role: Dan, Hull City (home). I design apparel for all types of football from small sided to 11 a side training product. My role involves a lot of research directly from players and consumers every bit of info they give us goes straight back into the clothing we design for them.

Involvement in kit: Unfortunately I didn’t work on the Hull shirt but as I say a lot of the research we do for training product is picked up for kit and vice versa.  Ultimately players benefit from wearing a similar product for training as they do on the pitch, it stops anything from feeling or performing differently on match day.

Dream kit – already done, or yet to be done? If I could choose any kit to work on it would have to be the England kit, its the Golden goose of kit design a lot of pressure but definitely worth it. However on the other hand I wouldn’t mind giving the Millwall home kit a go.

Name: Elliott                                                                                        

How long have you been here and what do you do?

I’ve worked at Umbro for just under a year and a half, beginning by scanning in the company archive of images, cuttings and PR. 30,000 or so images later I’m now the Global Brand Marketing Administrator dealing with our licensees around the world and supporting the Marketing team.

What would other people say you did?

It changes from day to day, I don’t think I’ve worked in such a varied and entertaining job. In the next couple of weeks I’ll be working on photographing more of our old kits, which basically means laughing at some absolute horrors from the past.

How is Umbro changing?

When I have friends telling me that they wouldn’t buy an England shirt until now, then I think it shows that Umbro is moving in a new direction. The shift in the company has been massive over the past year or so. I think the company is looking at the best parts of its history and bringing it forward with modern day design, which can’t be a bad thing in my opinion.

Where would you like to see it going?

Becoming the number one British icon; I think with our recent kit launches we are off to a good start to becoming this.

What do you think is the best/worst kit that Umbro has produced?

My favourite kit in our archive is the 60s Sweden shirt, there’s something about it that just works – though I can’t put my finger on it. Worst is the Mexico goalkeeper’s kit that Jorge Campos wore. It should have come with a health warning to wearers and viewers. Close second would be the grey Manchester United shirt, I don’t need to say anything about it as it speaks for itself.

What memory of football do you hold most dear?

Playing five-a-side tournaments back home in Huddersfield. I won a medal and a voucher to Woolworths; to a six year old that automatically makes you better than any other footballer under the sun (scientific fact).

If I wasn’t doing this, I’d be…

Struggling to score on Pro Evo, but this is the normal situation with Pro Evo for me, anyway. I am rubbish.

A while back, we started profiling members of the Umbro staff – we thought it was time we returned to them…

Name: Mike                                                                                    

How long have you been here and what do you do?

I’ve been at Umbro for nearly 5 years, now. I’ve worked in Marketing all that time – across several areas including: brand management, advertising, sponsorship and a few other disciplines. I now head up Umbro’s Global Retail Marketing team.

What would other people say you did?

Make shopping bags and spend too much time in shopping centres.

How is Umbro Changing?

Umbro has now got a clear sense of who we are and where we need to be. We’ve taken a look back at where we came from and what’s in our DNA and are using it to inform how we behave and communicate going forward. The brand is starting to talk to people in different ways and develop a personality through things such as the blog, online and other areas that we previously wouldn’t have done.

Where would you like to see Umbro going?

The coolest brand in football.

What do you think is the best/worst kit that Umbro has produced?

I’ve got my black and white blinkers on but the best (and my first) Umbro kit was the 1987 Newcastle United home shirt. We signed the first ever Brazilian to play in England – Francisco Ernami Lima de Silva - or Mirindinha. I had the full kit: shirt, shorts and socks and used to pretend to be him when I played!

The worst kit has to be the salmon Scotland shirt from ‘93-’95. What a howler!!

What memory of football do you hold most dear?

There are tonnes! My first game, or derby at St James’ Park; playing in the garden with my mates and dad; beating Man Utd 5-1; Asprilla’s hat-trick against Barcelona; and Gazza’s goal against Scotland in Euro ‘96 all rank up there. Despite all of those though, I’d have to say it was the first time I ever megged someone. Sadly it was my PE teacher and he wellied the ball at me 5 minutes later, winded me and then dropped me for the next game!

If I wasn’t doing this, I’d be…

A PE teacher trying not to get megged by 8yr olds.

One thing we want to do on this blog is bring you the insight of some of the Umbro staff – to see how they view the beautiful game, how it impacts on what they do. With this in mind, somebody who will provide a multitude of tales and opinions is James Beaumont. I won’t say too much about what his posts will involve as I’m sure he will give you the details in his imminent first post of the season. However, I thought it would be good to get him to divulge a little information about himself by answering a few questions:

What do you think is the best/worst kit Umbro has ever produced?                       

My favourite kit was the Man Utd. one with the lace up neck – I remember being absolutely obsessed with it, and pestered my mum and dad until I got it! I had the black/white (snow effect) tracksuit to match – class Umbro product, that!

First footballing memory…

My oldest memory of football was hiding behind the setee when England were in the World Cup and they were playing Cameroon. The score was 3-2 to England, I think. I can’t remember the year but it was unreal – I think we went out in the next round losing on penalties!

If wasn’t doing this, I’d be…

…playing football abroad – probably USA – but I think I would most definitley be in Australia playing cricket all winter. Watch this space as it’s still on offer!

Luckily for us, Beau is still to take up that offer and so we look forward to hearing from him very, very soon…