From City's superhero goalie kit to Action Man Stoke & Newcastle's barcode, the wacky new strips that need a VAR check

WITH the footie season kicking off this month, many of the top sides’ new football shirts have been released.

While some score highly, other wackier designs might need a VAR check . . . especially with fans facing a bill of up to £90 to buy their official replica shirt.

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From Elvis-inspired tops to cult film nods and animated associations, our fashion team Abby McHale and Emily Regan offer their pick of the latest strips – from the stylish to those that maybe should have been sent for an early bath.

Newcastle United home

NEWCASTLE are no stranger to a ­winning formula with their kit, sticking with the club’s famous black and white stripes since 1894.

This season however The Magpies have made a subtle tweak, with a barcode-like design that bears a striking resemblance to something you might find at the supermarket checkout.

We’re not sure this shirt will register with the fans, though rivals have already been known to refer to them as the Barcodes.

Man City keeper

THIS is the new goalies’ shirt for City, and it looks like they want their keepers to have superpowers.

The orangey red geometric print resembles Spider-Man’s famous suit, with his super–human speed and agility – exactly what you need between the sticks in a tricky moment.

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Ipswich Town away

THE Ipswich 26/27 away shirt feels like a blast from the past.

The Tractor Boys have leaned into a nostalgic beige with horizontal retro lines.

Sometimes less is more, but in this case it feels like less is . . . well, less.

And with Ed Sheeran as a sleeve ­sponsor, it looks like they’ve hit the rewind button.

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Stoke City away

WHILE the sentiment behind long-term Championship side Stoke’s away kit is appreciated (it pays homage to the Spitfire and is said to embody innovation, resilience and a proud connection to British history), we just can’t help but think with its camouflage design the players could have trouble finding each other on the pitch.

The Potters’ fans who part with their hard-earned cash to buy this top may think they’re channelling Action Man but, to be honest, it’s giving out more of a fancy dress vibe.

Brentford away

ALTHOUGH the words suave and sophisticated are not often levelled at the West Londoners, their away kit this season attempts just that.

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Created in collaboration with Brentford shareholder Sir Matthew Vaughn – the director of the Kingsman films – the pinstripe shirt look is meant to be a homage to the craftsmanship and ­heritage of Savile Row.

Hopefully this will help The Bees to sew up another ­season in the top flight as they attempt to do the business on the pitch.

Bournemouth home

DESPITE Bournemouth sticking with their trademark red and black stripes for the home shirt, the stripes are thicker than usual.

This tweaked design gives an uncanny resemblance to Dennis The Menace’s famous jumper.

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While the team get ready to sink their Gnashers into the new season, it is going to be hard to shake the Beano comparison.

Sunderland away

THIS season, the Black Cats are taking inspiration from their long-time association with Elvis Presley.

Since the Seventies, fans have belted out his hit Can’t Help ­Falling In Love as their match anthem.

And now the club have collaborated with the Elvis Presley estate.

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The team’s new matchday shirt for fans ­honours The King thanks to a black and pink colour combo and ­diamond design, with Can’t Help Falling In Love stitched on the back.

It’s a fitting tribute to Elvis, but looks more suitable for Graceland than the Stadium Of Light.

Hull City home

AFTER being promoted from the Championship, Hull City are entering the big league after nine years away – and they look ready to roar.

There really is no getting away from the orange and black colour palette associated with the club – and the tiger on their crest.

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But it does mean the players and fans look like a sea of cereal character Tony the Tigers.

Let’s hope the Hull squad play grrrreat this season in this bold look, because if they don’t they will get a Frostie reception.

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