Under Armour have assured fans they are designing their first Saints home kit with supporters as well as players in mind.

The company’s Peter Murray was on hand at St Mary’s yesterday for the public confirmation of the seven year partnership between Saints and the huge US sportswear brand.

Murray refused to reveal whether the club’s home shirt next season will feature the famous red and white stripes, but did admit they were aware of the uproar amongst supporters the last time that wasn’t the case.

He said: “We are aware of some of the history, yes.

“I’d love to share details with you with what’s to come in our first kit with Southampton but that will be coming out in the next two months.

“It was absolutely designed in collaboration with the club and thinking about what the first team and the academy team needs and with the fan’s interests in mind.”

Murray added: “We are looking forward to making the club feel proud as well as the fans to fuel their passion.

“We know a kit is a big part of that expression, and it’s a vehicle for us not only to provide a piece of equipment but to tell some great stories and the underpinning of design and how we get fans involved in that.”

Saints and Under Armour have grouped together to make six pledges to be fulfilled over the course of their deal. They are:

• Relentlessly innovate and create revolutionary product enabling our first team to perform at the highest level.

• Continue to develop the next generation of academy talent and empower them with over 5,000 pairs of cutting-edge footwear over the next seven years.

• Work with the Saints Foundation and kit out more than 5,000 children in the local community.

• Develop the women's and girls' game through our shared expertise and knowledge.

• Realise our global ambitions by spreading the benefits of sport and healthy living through technology and activations.

• Together we commit to having fans and innovation at the heart of everything we do.

Murray added: “It was about brand fit and it really started with the philosophy of Southampton and their attitude and their underdog spirit and unique models to push the boundaries of sport and business really aligned with us.

“The club’s openness to beyond a traditional structure, a traditional partnership, which made it multi-faceted and took it back to a commitment to have six pledges as part of our foundation and what we will try to achieve together.”