Stoke City are nearing the end process of a major change in how a new kit hits the shelves.

The journey to this fan-led strip started in February last year when Stoke released a hefty engagement plan to try to improve two-way dialogue on big issues such as season card strategy, licensed standing and new home and away kits.

Fans were invited to take part and a first assembly was held in March 2024 to canvas opinion about what makes a perfect design. That was then relayed back to designers in Bologna. A second assembly was held in May 2024 with a selection of concepts created for supporters to discuss, debate and eventually vote for their favourite. There was apparently "a clear winner".

The club said in a statement last summer: "The designs that were voted on varied from the traditional to the non-traditional and they created much debate in the room. In the end, however, the poll revealed a clear winner, with the kit to be produced in the coming months and launched in the summer of 2025."

Simon King, chief operating officer, had enjoyed the chance to get immediate feedback from the fanbase.

He said at the time: “We have enjoyed two invaluable, thought-provoking sessions with supporters, which have ultimately shaped the design of the new kit for 25/26. Throughout the two meetings there was much debate and wide-ranging views, though, once the final designs were created, there was a clear winner from the supporters’ vote.