Town fans will not get the chance to vote on the design of next season's away kit. In previous years supporters have chosen new strips from a selection of designs, but this year the club say they cannot offer fans the chance to vote on the new away look.

Town explain the lack of a vote on being “unable to reveal details of next season's shirt sponsorship in time for a fans' vote”, but expect to have one in the summer of 2005 for the new home kit.

The new away kit will be launched at a fashion show scheduled for the first week in April which features a new range of Town clothing.

Joe Royle was involved in the kit decision process and ultimately made the final choice, although he is revealing few details: “Obviously as part of the selection process we have taken into consideration the heritage of the club.

“We have an excellent first team strip and the white kit will remain as our third choice until the end of the 2004/05 campaign. I can reveal that the away strip won't be a new colour to Town fans.

“I am not going to share with you what we have gone for, but I will tell you that I have a natural aversion to all things red!”

Town's retail and commercial manager Steve Mason added: “It is unfortunate that we are unable to offer the fans a vote on this occasion because we have really valued their input over the past few years.

“What I can say is that I'm sure that fans will be pleased with the choice. I would though like to confirm that it remains our intention to run fans' votes for replica kits in the future, beginning again with next year's vote for a new home strip.”

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls