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…

Following on from Neil, Rob and Amanda, today Aimee is at the end of the staff blog questions..

Name: Aimee

How long have you been there and what do you do?
Hmm I think it’s nearly 3 years or maybe more!  It has flown by though.   I am the Footwear Product Coordinator  – I am the only girl on the team so I would say I look after them all!  I try to be as organised as possible when plans are constantly changing and evolving.  But that’s just the way things are so I try to stay calm!

What would other people say you did ?
I just heard my boss telling someone I keep everything running smoothly today so I will say that. But some of the “Lads” I work with would probably say something hilarious like filing my nails or something equally amusing?!

How is Umbro changing?
Everything is changing and its fantastic or it will be.  We are being catapulted into the 21st century and I am looking forward to seeing the results!

Where would you like to see it going?
I want Umbro to be more Cool! An inspirational brand that people respect.  I want people to understand what we are working towards and how we understand Football. It will be a proud day when I see Umbro in the light that it deserves after all our hard work.

What do you think is the best/worst kit that Umbro have produced?
I can’t wait to see the New England kit…

What memory of football do you hold most dear?
The first time I ever cared about a game of football was the World Cup 1998.  That summer my friends and I got really into it… When France beat Brazil in the Final I could not believe it, I really thought Brazil would win!?  They were so eye catching in their bright yellow kit and they had such a buzz of excitement about them.

If I weren’t doing this, I’d be….
Amending something with one hand and eating my lunch in the other..

Name: Amanda

Following on from our previous profile of Neil, today I put the staff profile questions to Rob:

Name: Rob

How long have you been here and what do you do?
11 years – Product Line Merchandiser

What would other people say you did  ?
depends who you speak to !

How is Umbro changing?
for the better….. its challenging the product team to make bold moves and lead with innovative product for FOOTBALL.

Where would you like to see it going?
to be recognised as the style leader in football. Fans to appreciate that we get football

What do you think is the best/worst kit that Umbro have produced?
best – Liverpool 84, my first and favourite. Worst – England Home 98, extreme nipple rub !

What memory of football do you hold most dear ?
feeling like England were going to win the world cup after beating Cameroon 3-2 in the 1990 world cup quarter final….. short lived.

If I weren’t doing this, I’d be….
Playing football for a living of course

Hi, I’m James, a ‘Player Recruitment Executive’. I’m going to be contributing to this blog when I can, so thought I should introduce myself. So what do I do? Well, my job title suggests big desks and briefcases, but it actually revolves around motorway miles, matches and meetings with all kinds of people connected to the beautiful game.

I work in a team of four, geographically positioned around the UK, who have the task of sourcing and signing the best young football talent around. Along with attracting assets at youth level, we monitor and service senior professionals throughout the football League with Umbro products, and try and get as much exposure of the brand through boots on feet and contracted players, in the most high profile league in the world, the Premier League.

Building solid professional relationships with clubs, coaches, agents, parents and players is a key aspect of the role. Umbro has to be active on the field of play, and quality service, product and care ensures that the brand is held in high regard in all areas of the game. From a twelve year old with bags of potential at Accrington Stanley, to an International superstar at Arsenal, all Umbro players have to be looked after professionally.

As with the other guys, my main priority is to get the best young football talent associated with Umbro – and as a team we are working hard to achieve this goal for the brand. With the relationships and contacts made over the last 6 months, our team have made significant strides to ensure the double diamond is competing with the other top brands on the field of play.