Newport County has been left unable to sell any merchandise after one of its suppliers fell into administration. In late November Elite Sports Group announced it had entered administration due to financial difficulties.
The company manages the physical and online retail operations of a number of clubs using the brand Hummel including Southampton, Coventry City and Millwall. Its financial problems have left some clubs facing supply issues with merchandise and orders going into the festive season.
Newport County has confirmed it is among the clubs affected, saying in a statement that Elite's administration had resulted in the immediate closure of its club shops at Kingsway Centre in Newport city centre and at Rodney Parade stadium. Its online store, which was also operated by Elite, has also been forced to close meaning the club cannot sell merchandise until further notice.
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A statement on the club's website said: "As a result of Elite entering into administration, we have been made aware the club shop and online retail operation – which are both run by Elite – are closed as of today. The club is now working with the appointed administrators to fully understand the process of moving forward.
"In particular, we are working with the administrators to seek solutions in relation to the club shop in Kingsway, Rodney Parade and online shop. It is important to emphasise that Elite is a completely separate company that provides its services to a number of football clubs across the UK. We will communicate further once we have more clarity on the situation and we thank supporters for their patience." A Newport County spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday that all its shops remain closed.
Last month it was revealed Elite were suing Scottish club Rangers for £9.5 million in lost kit sales. Elite claim the Glasgow club breached a contract which allowed the firm to provide the team with kits.
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