It’s the final hit out this Saturday before the season proper and the Rams are all kitted out with a not too original home strip but a much welcome change to the away version.

The Rams unveiled their new home strip and shirt sponsor a couple of weeks ago at an official function including a spot of modelling from the players. The look is nothing new and continues the plain white look of recent years.

Those that were hoping for something new and unusual would be disappointed with a very standard design that is fast becoming closer to a Bolton Wanderers style shirt than some of the Derby shirts of old.

The clubs promotional catch phrase of ‘50% black, 50% white’ was definitely not an inspiration.

It is a slick looking shirt that owning immediately will be important to some fans than others, as is always the case. Whether it is on your shopping list of ‘must have’ items or not, all will agree it will not be one that stands out in the memory of classic Derby strips, that is of course unless we win something in it.

An event such as that will instantly make it a supporter favourite, mind you we could win the league in a potato sack with the logo drawn on in crayon and we would all embrace it as a work of art!

The Goalkeeper home strip was also revealed and is a more inventive version of last years all green shirt. Nice to see something a little more interesting for the shot – stoppers amongst us.

Following on from the less than mind – blowing home design, last week the new away strip was unveiled and it seems it has been met with much higher approval and perhaps excitement than many recent efforts.

The fact it sports a totally different look, especially in the way of colour (without the garish un-wearability of the recent slime green effort) gives it a fresh feel while at the same time harking back to the orange and blue Puma away design from the 97-99 seasons.

Some more cynical fans might feel the choice of colour scheme is a reflection of our recent campaigns. A bunch of yellow players lined by disappointed fans feeling a bit blue. I doubt the designer had that in mind….but you never know!

The sponsors name also is worth a mention as it would be an understatement to say that it stands out. Of course that would be the point and although some fans dislike the ever so obvious product placement they are forced to wear around on their shirts, I am glad that it is for a local company owned by a home-grown Rams fan.

In summary I think that they all look the goods and in particular the away strip is a memorable addition to the history of the Rams wardrobe.

My one and only genuine gripe is that it still lacks a collar, I have said it once and i'll say it dozens of times….. bring back the collar!! Or is that just me?

All versions of the Derby kit for 10/11 are available on the Official DCFC site in their ONLINE STORE.

Discuss the new kit designs or any other Rams related issue in the new look RamZone.net FORUM.

Photo: Action Images

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