The Vikings have today officially unveiled their new home colours for the 2013 Super League season.
 
Back in early October, despite weeks of deliberation and consideration between the options of either a predominantly black or a predominantly white playing kit, club representatives failed to decide upon a principal shirt for the 2013 Super League season, so entrusted their Viking Stronghold members to have the casting vote.
 
Once all of the members’ votes had been collated there was just a 3% difference, with the White design winning the vote.
 
Commenting on the close-run affair, Vikings’ Director of Marketing Brian O’Connor, said; “It’s ironic that our members had just as much trouble deciding, as we did.
 
“With the voting so close, we felt that it would have been a travesty to run with just one design when nearly half of our fan-base preferred the other option. This played on my mind for a number of days.
 
“The decision is all about giving the fans the choice. The fans now have the option of purchasing the design that they voted for.
 
“By the same token, they can also pick and choose from the entire playing kit range and come up with their own combination.”
 
Ever keen to innovate and break from the norm, and with the full approval of the RFL, the club will now be able to choose from two home kits in 2013 for their games at The Stobart Stadium. It is anticipated that each kit will feature on an equal number of occasions throughout the Super League XVIII season.
 
The new 2013 home kit designs were previewed in full for the first time on Thursday 6th December at an exclusive event hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside’s Gary McGrath, held in the Bridge Suite at The Stobart Stadium.
 
Judging by the initial feedback of those in attendance, demand is expected to be high for the all-new replica.
 
Commenting on the 2013 designs, Vikings head coach Denis Betts said; "Once again, we are all really pleased with the new playing and training kit and I'm sure the club’s members and supporters will also enjoy wearing the range of replica items and leisurewear as soon as they can get their hands on them.
 
“The Black / White debate has raised its head on a daily basis amongst the first team players and I’m sure the fact we now have both will please them all!”
 
Manufactured by O'Neill's Irish Sportswear, the 2013 home kit features Stobart as its main sponsor across the chest with the logos of each of the clubs business partners; Magners, Sky Sports HD, Ultimate Sports Nutrition, Maltacourt, STATSports and REEL Cinemas also present. Further to this, the shorts feature the emblems of DW Sports Fitness and O2 Think Big.
 
A golden star is also featured on the front of the all-new design, in reference to the club’s World Club Challenge triumph in 1989, while the heritage crest brings together the ‘Industria Ditat' Coat of Arms and the Vikings logo.
 
Following the success of the embedded QR code which was first featured on the 2012 playing and replica jersey, the new shirt also incorporates this innovative feature.
 
The initial batch of 2013 ‘Home' kits will be available to buy, alongside a whole host of other Vikings themed merchandise at the Vikings Superstore situated within Tesco Extra in Widnes from 11.00am on Saturday 8th December.
 
Throughout the day, a selection of Vikings' players will be in attendance to meet and greet you upon your arrival.