Andy Pryce: AFC Telford kit delay is embarrassing

The blunder from kit supplier Hummel meant the Bucks had to wear their blue away strip in the season-opener against Southport today.

It has also caused frustration for fans who pre-ordered shirts online. Telford are not the only side affected – Charlton Athletic have had to delay the release of their Hummel strips while Forest Green Rovers wore a specially-launched third jersey today.

“We had three manufacturers on offer and we decided to go with Hummel,” said Pryce.

“We were promised an eight-week turnaround on a bespoke design.

“A big problem we’ve had in the past is because of our colour scheme, not many people do an off-the-shelf shirt – we always have to go bespoke.

“That was back in March and we decided to go with it. Basically, they’ve let us down. There is no other way I can explain it. It’s been a horrible two to three weeks.

“We’re not going to have a home shirt for the first time, I think, in the club’s history on the first game of the season.

“It’s embarrassing and Hummel know I’m embarrassed by it. Hummel know my anger, but there’s not a lot I can do about it.

“All I can say is that we’re working damn hard to put it right for next home game, which is a week on Tuesday against Brackley Town.

“I’m in contact with Hummel every day and I want to give a definitive answer on Monday or Tuesday. I apologise to everyone who was looking forward to the shirt.”

Hummel were contacted for comment but did not respond.

Meanwhile, Telford boss Gavin Cowan has confirmed Jamie Haynes has joined the club’s coaching team.

Haynes served as joint-boss of Ellesmere Rangers and is a colleague of Cowan at Crossbar Coaching and arrives following the departure of first team coach Martin Prentice. Kevin Sandwith is now in sole charge of Ellesmere.

“He’s had a real positive impact and I trust him implicitly,” said Cowan.