Nike confirmed today that a subsidiary of their world famous sportswear brand, Team Wear, would be supplying Southend United's first-team strip next season.

The 2003/04 kit is expected to be unveiled to Blues' fans during the first Roots Hall pre-season friendly against First Division Ipswich Town on the evening of Tuesday, July 15.

And the Seasiders are thought to have entered a two-year agreement with Team Wear, who have a similar deal with Third Division rivals York City.

"We can confirm that Southend will be wearing Team Wear kit next season," said a Nike spokesman.

"Team Wear is part of Nike and will be supplied to the club by a local sports outlet in the Southend area.

"The strips are of good quality and we are sure the football club, players and fans will like what they see."

Meanwhile, Blues contract rebels Mark Rawle and Stuart Thurgood have still not made decisions on new one-year deals with the club.

Striker Rawle is believed to be wanted by Cambridge United and midfielder Thurgood is expected to train with Ryman Premier Division Canvey Island this Thursday evening. The deadline for contract offers is next week.

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Published Tuesday, June 10, 2003

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