Southampton Football Club have announced that they’ve signed a deal with adidas for the Germany company to be their kit designer and manufacturer beginning with the 2013-14 season.

The timing of the new kit deal is welcome based on last season’s extremely disappointing home kit that Umbro designed, which was completely devoid of the characteristic red and white stripes that are instantly recognizable.

Historically, Southampton have — as far as I can tell — never worn kits by adidas. They’ve had iconic shirts designed by the likes of Admiral, Patrick, Pony and, in previous years, Umbro.

Let’s hope that adidas makes the most of their recently signed agreement to produce a quality kit that sees the return of the famous red and white stripes of Southampton FC.

By signing Southampton, adidas now create kits for nine out of the 20 teams in the Premier League.