The Lufbra Echo is deeply saddened (but not entirely shocked) to learn of the latest major setback surrounding Loughborough's new kit. Obviously, we are entirely impartial in the matter and pride ourselves on giving objective, factual accounts of the situation at hand. We are not swayed by protestations from some that this "was the best kit deal in the history of the world" [Matthews et al., 2009, 2010] nor do we pay attention to grumbles from LSAC's Director that "serious sanctions" await those responsible. We understand that Ian Anholm has been charged with "bringing an end" to the scandal and will get to it right after he has finished redecorating George Gandy's office. In the meantime, dear readers, let the Echo take you on a tour of what was said and who said it......
“From January 2010, when competeing [sic] for Loughborough University in any event, you MUST wear a Puma Vest. This is written into our contract with them. Old vests are therefore not allowed.....”
-Pete Matthews, LSAC Kit Sec, 5th October 2009.
"We'll have to drag those who don't want to wear it [the new kit] kicking and screaming"
-George Gandy, LSAC Director, October 2009 (as alleged by Sebastian Foy, LSAC Vice XC Captain)
“I have been a hugely successful kit sec”.
-Pete Matthews, LSAC Kit Sec, Many occasions
"The kit will be smart and make us look professional....a lot like Birmingham"
-Rob Hodges, LSAC Chair, December 2009
"Of course the kit will arrive on time....how embarrassing would it be if it didn't?!"
-Pete Matthews, LSAC Kit Sec, January 2009
“We are sorry to inform you that the puma kit order has been delayed by 3-4 weeks. The kit arrived in the country earlier this week, but I was informed this morning that it failed Puma's quality control testing procedures and so is being deported.
This is fairly significant news for the club as we are setting off for the BUCS xc champs tomorrow morning, departing from the union at 8am, and some athletes are currently without vests.”
-Rob Hodges, LSAC Chair, 4th February 2010.
"Will the kit arrive in time for BUCS Outdoors? Absolutely."
-Rob Hodges, LSAC Chair, March 2010
"The kit will not arrive for BUCS"
-Rob Hodges, LSAC Chair, 28th April 2010
“As you will probably be aware, the kit order has been a bit of a disaster. [...] We are now able to get some honest answers and are expecting to receive the vests and tracksuits in mid June. They are aware of our urgent need to have them for this weekend but there is no way they can manufacture them in time. [...]On behalf of Pete and myself, your kit secs for this year, I would like to apologise to all of you who have ordered kit.”
-Kieran Flannery, LSAC Kit Sec, 28th April 2010