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      Who designed Aston Villa’s ‘wet look’ kit and what have players said about it?

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      EVERY year the world’s leading football clubs will change up their shirts for a different design.One club included on that list is Aston Villa – but who designed the kit and what have the players said in response? Here’s everything you need to know.
      Lucy Staniforth pictured wearing the kitCredit: Rex
      Who designed Aston Villa’s kit?
      Aston Villa’s 2023-2024 kit was designed by British kit supplier Castore.
      The Manchester-based manufacturer are in the second season of a ”multi-year” deal with the club.
      Castore’s tagline reads: “Demand better – premium performance.”
      Andy Murray had a deal with the sports brand before they moved into football with Rangers.
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      Since then the company has expanded rapidly, taking on deals with Newcastle, Villa and Wolves, as well as Feyenoord and many more.
      They also manufacture gear for McLaren and Red Bull Racing, the Irish national football team and England cricket.
      What have the players said about the new kit?
      Both the men’s and women’s team have reportedly complained about the new ”wet-look” shirt and say it impacts their performances.
      The kit appears to retain sweat and become heavy for those sporting the shirt.
      Most read in Football
      This came to light in September 2023, as several fans and kit experts noticed that Villa’s Castore jerseys seemed to cling the players’ bodies.
      Members of the men’s first-team squad were left looking like they had been drenched during their Europa Conference League clash with Legia Warsaw.
      Although Villa’s home shirts appeared to suffer with the issue, Emiliano Martinez’s goalkeeper top appeared to be fine.
      Similarly, Aston Villa Women were forced to wear the ‘wet-look’ shirt as the WSL got underway with the Midlands-based side kicking things off against Manchester United.
      A source close to the team said they were “deeply concerned” about wearing the kits, with another describing them as feeling “really bad” to play in.
      Speaking ahead of kick-off, Aston Villa Women’s boss Carla Ward said: “It’s up to the football club’s legal team and Castore to discuss that and deal with that.
      “It’s something I’ve tried to completely ignore as difficult as that is.
      “The football club are in full control of that. They’ve been excellent with us, myself and the players around it.”
      The kit manufacturers responded to the controversy by stating they intend to ”address this issue as quickly as possible to meet the standards we expect”.
      A Castore spokesperson said: “There has been some media speculation about a potential issue in the football kit supplied by Castore to Aston Villa Football Club.
      ”We are working closely in collaboration with the club to address this issue as quickly as possible to meet the standards we expect. We would like to thank the club for their patience and support to date.
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      ”As a proud new British brand, we always hold ourselves to the highest of standards and strive to do everything we can to constantly improve the performance of our products. This means addressing any customer concerns with promptness and humility.”
      There have been reports that Villa could terminate their deal with Castore. More

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      I used to work in a chip shop.. now I’m captain of Tottenham and starred in England’s Euro glory and World Cup final run

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      TOTTENHAM striker Bethany England led a very different life before becoming a professional footballer.The 29-year-old Lioness worked in a chip shop in the early stages of her career while juggling A-Levels and playing for Doncaster Belles.
      Tottenham star Bethany England worked in a chip shop before becoming a professional footballerCredit: PA
      England (C) had a job outside of football while playing for Doncaster Belles as a teenagerCredit: Getty
      In 2011, England established herself as one to watch in the inaugural Women’s Super League season.
      At the age of just 17 she became a first team regular at the highest level of women’s football in England.
      However, she was being paid just £150-a-month – an amount that barely covered the cost of fuel when driving to and from training and games several times a week.
      The striker subsequently had to find an extra job and she went on to work in a local chip shop for over three years.
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      England worked two nights a week at the Wellington Street chippy in Barnsley alongside her twin sister, Laura.
      And the former Chelsea star has revealed that she barely had time to sleep between shifts and football matches on the weekends.
      She told England Football: “I ended up working for three-and-a-half years in a chippy, doing night shifts on a Friday and Saturday.
      “It would start at around 10pm and finish at 5am to 6am. I would then have a couple of hours sleep and go straight to my football game, and then do the night shift whilst I was at college.
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      The striker featured for the Lionesses during the Women’s World Cup this summerCredit: Getty
      She also helped England to Euro 2022 glory last yearCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      “You’d be surprised how many people want fish and chips after a night out! It’s not for me.
      “But it paid me through college, it paid for my driving lessons and everything. So, it got me where I needed to be.
      “I’ve done all sorts. I’ve worked in a bakery, a factory, I’ve worked at M&S and I’ve worked in an Indian.”
      The striker added: “As a Yorkshire girl, I love gravy but from a chippy, I actually prefer curry.
      “I did either service or frying. At Easter time, we used to fry Creme Eggs. You couldn’t get battered Mars Bars and Snickers but we used to batter Creme Eggs. It sounds nasty, but you’d be surprised. It’s alright.”
      Following her spell with Doncaster Belles, England went on to join Chelsea in 2016.
      She spent seven years with the Blues before joining Tottenham at the beginning of this year.
      And last month she was named as the club’s captain.
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      England was a member of the Lionesses squad that won Euro 2022 last July.
      She also featured in England’s run to the Women’s World Cup final this summer.
      England was named Spurs captain last monthCredit: Getty More

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      England’s Lionesses squeeze back into school uniforms in photoshoot for BBC Children In Need

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      ENGLAND’S Lionesses squeeze into some old kit for BBC Children In Need.Footie stars Demi Stokes, 31, Leah Williamson, 26, and Chloe Kelly, 25, recreated their school days in clothes like their old uniforms.
      Leah Williamson in her school uniform for Children In Need
      Chloe Kelly in her school uniform for Children In Need
      The trio also wore Pudsey Bear lapel pins to mark the TV fundraiser, which is held next month.
      Earlier this month England’s Lionesses were understood to be seeking around £100,000 each in bonuses had they won the World Cup Down Under.
      After losing 1-0 to Spain in the final, they were willing to accept half that amount.
      According to the Mail, players were set for “crunch talks” with FA chiefs.
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      They claim that players are “aware” of their possible actions and could choose to press on with the “nuclear option” of ceasing all commercial work for the FA.
      It’s even claimed that they could refuse to play until a resolution is reached, although this option has “not yet been directly suggested”.
      England’s pay from the FA is currently negotiated before or after each tournament – although players want more “clarity” moving forward.
      This cash pot comes from prize money and commercial revenue received by the FA for the players’ performances.
      Most read in Football
      Prior to the women’s World Cup, the FA imposed commercial restrictions on their own players.
      This was because chiefs were concerned that individual player deals could upset their own.
      Demi Stokes in her school uniform for Children In Need More

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      Arsenal 0 Liverpool 1 LIVE RESULT: Gunners stunned on opening day as Taylor fires visitors to shock win

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      ARSENAL have made the worst possible start to the 2023/24 WSL season after suffering a shock defeat to Liverpool.Miri Taylor put the Reds ahead just three minutes after the restart.
      And the Gunners struggled to get past Liverpool’s low block which resulted in an opening day loss.

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      That’s all from the Emirates Stadium
      Arsenal suffer a shock 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on the opening day of the WSL season.
      But all is not lost Gooners, Matt Beard’s side defeated Chelsea on the first day of the 2022-23 campaign last season – and the Blues went on to win the league.
      Will the Gunners bounce back like the Champions did? They face Manchester United on Friday in another huge test.
      But until then, thanks for reading!
      Jonas Eidevall reacts
      The second half we struggled to generate momentum.”
      “On Saturday we had our 10th training session with a full squad in four months. That’s where we’re at. We need to invest time in building relationships.
      “We can’t really use that as an excuse because it is what it is.”Jonas Eidevallon Arsenal’s performance
      Matt Beard reacts
      “It’s been a tough week. We just showed that togetherness today.
      “Defensively we were outstanding today. We put our bodies on the line and made some great saves.
      “Laws was excellent.”Matt Beardon Liverpool’s performance
      Match stats
      Arsenal dominated for large periods of the game, but they failed to make the most of their chances.

      New WSL record set
      A new record attendance for the WSL was set this afternoon.
      54,115 fans poured through the turnstiles of the Emirates Stadium as the Gunners fell to a shock defeat.
      Credit: PA
      Full Time – Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Liverpool set up perfectly against the Gunners, and Jonas Eidevall’s side could not counter them.
      Arsenal created chance after chance, but the Reds put on an outstanding defensive display to keep the home side at bay.
      A frustrating day for the 50,000+ Arsenal fans at the Emirates Stadium.
      Full Time – Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Not the opening day the Gunners would’ve wanted.
      The visitors take all three points at the Emirates!
      Credit: PA
      90+4. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Arsenal are throwing absolutely everything at the Reds right now, with everyone except Zinsberger pushing forward.
      They need a goal here, and fast.
      90. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Holland goes to ground with a knock following a challenge on Foord, but she looks to play on.
      10 minutes have been added on.
      87. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Now Enderby is booked for time wasting for the Reds.
      85. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Cooney-Cross is on to make her Arsenal debut!
      She replaces Walti in midfield.
      83. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Foord rattles the bar!
      The winger looked to flick the ball towards goal following a Pelova cross, but her effort was just off target.
      79. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Hinds is booked for time wasting while taking a throw-in.
      Liverpool are set to make some changes.
      Parry is on to replace Hinds.
      Lundgaard is on to replace Kearns.
      77. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Another huge chance for Arsenal as Walti sends an excellent pass through to Blackstenius, but Laws comes out to claim the ball.
      The Gunners need to start taking their chances now.
      The clock is ticking down.
      74. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Hobinger is replaced by Enderby for Liverpool.
      71. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Both teams are set to make a change.
      Russo is replaced by Blackstenius for Arsenal.
      Liverpool are taking about five minutes to make theirs.
      70. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      A new WSL record has been set!
      54,115 fans are in attendance at the Emirates Stadium today – the largest ever crowd at a league match!
      67. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Liverpool make a change now.
      Flint is on to replace Taylor.
      66. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Another goal-line scramble sees Russo accidentally block Beattie’s close-range shot!
      Surely a goal is coming for the Gunners!
      64. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Arsenal make three changes.
      Lacasse is replaced by Pelova.
      Maanum is replaced by Hurtig.
      Wubben-Moy is replaced by Ilestedt.
      61. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Walti splits the Liverpool defence with an excellent pass through to McCabe, who looks to square the ball across goal, but it is cleared behind for a corner.
      Maanum then sends the corner into the box as Russo goes for goal, but there is a scramble on the line and Liverpool can make the clearance.
      56. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      Arsenal are desperately trying to get back into this game.
      Eidevall looks to be preparing some substitutions.
      49. Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool
      A lapse in concentration from the Arsenal defenders sees Liverpool take the lead!
      Hobinger plays the ball to Kearns on the right, who squares it to Taylor in the box.
      Taylor is then gifted plenty of space to take a shot as she fires the ball past Zinsberger.
      The Arsenal goalkeeper could’ve arguably done a lot better to keep it out there, but Liverpool have a shock advantage!
      48. GOOOAAAAAALLLLLL LIVERPOOL!!!!!
      Taylor fires the visitors into the lead!

      Kick Off – Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
      We’re back underway in North London!
      Load more entries… More

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      Alex Scott stuns in bold red jacket for WSL opener between Aston Villa and Man Utd on BBC with fans ‘loving’ it

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      ALEX SCOTT sent fans into meltdown as the new Women’s Super League season got underway. Aston Villa kicked-off the new campaign as they welcomed Manchester United to Villa Park.
      Alex Scott stunned in a bold jacketCredit: Reuters
      Scott was joined by Fara Williams and Ellen WhiteCredit: bbc
      The presenter hosted coverage of the WSL opener between Aston Villa and Man UtdCredit: BBC
      Scott recently wowed at the NTAsCredit: Getty
      The game was live on the BBC and fans were in for a treat with Scott hosting.
      She caught the eye in a bold red jacket with a smart black top underneath.
      Fans loved it with one tagging the former Arsenal and England full-back and simply putting four love heart emojis.
      Scott is no stranger to wowing while presenting football, stunning in a black dress while taking viewers through the Europa League draw.
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      She also put on an incredible display at the PFA Awards.
      And away from football, Scott dazzled in a white outfit at the NTAs.
      The 38-year-old had a busy summer hosting the BBC’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup.
      But the beauty still found time to unwind as she stripped down to a bikini while on holiday.
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      And she wore a daring bodysuit at a recent Kylie Minogue concert.
      Alex Scott is no stranger to wowing fansCredit: instagram @alexscott2
      She has 1.8m followers on InstagramCredit: instagram @alexscott2 More

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      Aston Villa Women forced to wear ‘wet-look’ Castore kit for WSL opener vs Man Utd despite major backlash

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      ASTON VILLA WOMEN wore the club’s sweat-heavy kit in their Women’s Super League opener.The WSL is back underway today with the Midlands-based side kicking things off against Manchester United.
      Villa players wore the sweat-filled shirt despite complaintsCredit: Getty
      Alisha Lehmann started for VillaCredit: Reuters
      Sarah Mayling was in actionCredit: Reuters
      Villa players have been forced to wear the wet-look kit despite huge backlash with no short-term solution found.
      Both the men’s and women’s teams have complained about the Castore shirt and say it impacts their performances.
      The kit appears to retain sweat and become heavy for players.
      The men’s side wore it as they beat Brighton 6-1 yesterday.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      It was thought a solution might be found prior to the women’s match today, but it wasn’t.
      Speaking ahead of kick-off, Aston Villa Women’s boss Carla Ward said: “It’s up to the football club’s legal team and Castore to discuss that and deal with that.
      “It’s something I’ve tried to completely ignore as difficult as that is.
      “The football club are in full control of that. They’ve been excellent with us, myself and the players around it.”
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      The kit manufacturers responded to the controversy by stating they intend to “address this issue as quickly as possible to meet the standards we expect”.
      A Castore spokesperson said: “There has been some media speculation about a potential issue in the football kit supplied by Castore to Aston Villa Football Club.
      “We are working closely in collaboration with the club to address this issue as quickly as possible to meet the standards we expect. We would like to thank the club for their patience and support to date.
      “As a proud new British brand, we always hold ourselves to the highest of standards and strive to do everything we can to constantly improve the performance of our products. This means addressing any customer concerns with promptness and humility.”
      There has been reports that Villa could terminate their deal with Castore.
      Broadcaster Jacqui Oatley led criticism of the situation, saying she had hoped a solution would have been found before the WSL began and it’s not something the players should have to worry about.
      England ace Rachel Daly was among those having to wear the kitCredit: Reuters
      Lehmann covered up after the matchCredit: Reuters More

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      Beth Mead ‘chomping at the bit’ to return to action for Arsenal in fitness boost ahead of Liverpool clash

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      BETH MEAD is eager to make her long-awaited return to match action after a serious knee injury. Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall revealed the Gunners star could get a run-out when the team play Liverpool today with a 50,000-strong crowd expected at the Emirates.
      Beth Mead and Arsenal summer signing Laia Codina could both be in line to make appearances at the Emirates laterCredit: Getty
      Mead has returned to fitness after being sidelined by an ACL injury she sustained last NovemberCredit: Getty
      Mead  ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament during Arsenal’s 3-2 loss to Manchester United at the stadium in November. 
      The injury saw the WSL star, 28, sidelined for much of this year including missing this year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand
      However the Gunners ace’s return to the pitch looks imminent. 
      Speaking to the club’s web site, she said: “I am chomping at the bit to get on that pitch!

      “I’ve worked hard to get to this point, so I can’t wait for the season to get going.
      “I can’t wait to put that shirt back on and hopefully help Arsenal to an amazing season. 
      “It’s one step at a time with this injury. You get integrated into little different sections of training and now I’m back in completely. 
      “I’m like a kid at Christmas running around and playing again. 
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      “Ultimately getting fit and getting myself in the best shape and sharpness possible is my main aim.”
      Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool comes two days after the Reds officially opened their new training facility at Melwood. 
      Reds defender Gemma Bonner told the club’s website: “Melwood has such an amazing history.
      “I’ve been at the club from quite early on in my first spell and to see the changes and to be finally able to call Melwood home, I still can’t believe I’m saying it because it’s been a long time coming.
      Natasha Flint and her Liverpool team-mates will take on Arsenal at the Emirates this afternoonCredit: Getty
      “We have been wanting a top-class facility for so long and we’ve finally got it. 
      “I think the game has grown so much and for us as a team we want to be successful – it’s part of the Liverpool DNA. 
      “That is winning games, winning trophies and being successful.”
      Arsenal vs Liverpool in the WSL will kick off at 2:00pm and will be broadcast live on FA Player More

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      Manchester United boss Skinner flags fatigue concerns for WSL players amid ‘shovelled in’ international fixtures

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      MARC SKINNER fears weary WSL aces could be playing walking football later due to international window fatigueAnd Aston Villa’s clingy shirt issues are set to rumble on with the club expecting a long-term solution from kitmakers Castore rather than an immediate one. 
      Marc Skinner says some players have been left fatigued following busy international match schedulesCredit: Getty
      Skinner’s United aces will take on Aston Villa this afternoon in the first game of the new WSL seasonCredit: Getty
      Alisha Lehmann and Rachel Daly are among the Villa players who were involved in Women’s Nations League fixtures earlier this weekCredit: Getty
      Manchester United chief Skinner will oversee his side in action against the Villans at Villa Park in the first of six WSL curtain-raising fixtures happening today.
      Their game comes just five days after scores of players were away on international duty in the Women’s Nations League. 
      These include four of United’s Lioness stars and six England, Scotland and Holland aces from Villa who took part in games in the contest last Friday and on Tuesday. 
      Fixtures in the contest, which determines which teams will qualify for next year’s Olympics, includes the Lionesses’ 2-1 loss to Holland five days ago. 
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      Skinner said: “You have players who have just come off a World Cup and coming into an important game where there were two qualifying games with difficult opponents. 
      “Yet, we (England) were not at the races and that’s because the girls have to mentally reset as well as physically reset. 
      “I just hope it doesn’t lag into the (start of this) season. 
      “We all want this energetic start, however I might predict in the future and I might get this wrong, but I’d imagine every game this opening weekend will end with walking football at the end.
      Most read in Football
      “By the last 20 minutes there will probably be walking football because there will be people that are fatigued. 
      “From my perspective, it’s a crazy way to just shovel (Women’s Nations League) games in.
      “I get the format and I get the intent, but I’m not even sure the international managers were happy with it.
      “Some might have been (whose teams) didn’t compete in the World Cup, but others won’t be. 
      “So from my perspective, I think it’s a strange window and will definitely lead to a lack of cohesion for a lot of teams going into all of their markets, not just England.”
      Villa’s clash with United comes in a week in which their WSL aces flagged concerns about wet look shirts manufactured by sportswear firm Castore. 
      Players have flagged that the fabric retained too much sweat during matches.  
      It’s understood the club, who shared players’ concerns with Castore, are not expecting an immediate solution to the shirt issues
      And Ward explained that the ball is now in the court of the sportswear firm and Villa officials
      Carla Ward says Villa officials have been in constant communication with players in regard to sweat-clogged shirt issuesCredit: Getty
      The Villa Women’s boss said: “As far I’m concerned it’s over to the club and Castore.
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      “My focus has to be this weekend and making sure the players are focused. 
      “One thing I will say is the club have been absolutely superb in these last few days with constant communication of how we can help the players.” More