The Sunderland home shirt for the 08/09 season went on sale last month.

They’ve done a good job with this year’s version - the black blends in nicely with the traditional red and white and gives the the shirt an imposing aura that was missing from last season’s kit.

Whether that makes Sunderland better on the pitch in 08/09 than they were in 07/08 is a different matter altogether, although the way Keano is going about clearing out the deadwood at least we can be sure that Sunderland will fight harder next season.

What they say:

“The Umbro shirt is designed to be both visually imposing and performance enhancing, being anatomically cut to enhance the athleticism of the player. The twill mesh body fabric is lightweight and breathable and the neckline has no exposed seams for added comfort.”

Sunderland 08/09 Home Kit

Sunderland 08/09 Home Kit - 2

Sunderland 08/09 Home Kit - 3