- SpudBros have gained millions of fans by filming themselves selling potatoes
- They have become the sponsors of a Championship club – to a mixed response
- LISTEN to Whistleblowers: Are Arsenal fans right to feel aggrieved by the fixtures?
Viral potato makers SpudBros have announced a kit sponsorship with Preston North End.
The Championship club unveiled their new strip with bold red ‘SpudBros’ lettering in the centre after sealing a partnership with brothers Jacob and Harley Nelson, who are from the city.
SpudBros have reached internet fame by sharing videos of them serving up hot potato snacks to customers from their tram in Preston, attracting visitors from across the world.
The Lancashire culinary crew have racked up 4.2 million TikTok followers and even expanded to a central London store, such is their popularity.
Spud brother Jacob said: ‘Being from Preston, this is a moment we’ve dreamed of. From running around the pitch as mascots to seeing our brand on the front of Preston North End’s shirt – it’s beyond special.
Harley added: ‘What more can I say, this is a dream come true. We’re here to help PNE make history. Let’s take it to the top this season and show the world what Preston’s all about!’
The home kit will be on sale from 9am on Friday, priced at £70 for adults. Preston ignited lots of interest in their release but it’s safe too say the response from fans has been mixed.
‘That’s the worst f****** thing I’ve ever seen,’ said one.
‘Worst football shirt I’ve ever laid eyes on,’ another said.
Some would have preferred Preston to stick with their traditional club colours of white and blue. ‘Genuine question: can we buy the shirt without that big red sponsor on it?’ one asked.
‘Great exposure for the club, but why isn’t the sponsor in navy,’ another commented.
Others were more enthused. ‘Love everything about this, the kit is stunning ,the sponsor is insane, and the video top quality,’ one fan wrote.
Another added: ‘Love it. Nice to see North End thinking outside the box!’
Preston sparked intrigue in their new sponsors when they shared a video of a player doing keepy-uppies with a potato at their Euxton training centre on Tuesday.
That was followed by a joint Instagram post with SpudBros showing midfielder Mads Frokjaer-Jensen ordering a potato, beans, and cheese snack.
In the video, the Dane is jokingly told he’ll be getting a three-match ban for wanting his beans placed before his cheese before a member of staff unfurls a kit.
It marks quite the departure from Preston’s incumbent shirt sponsor. PAR Group, a rubber and plastics engineering firm, have had pride of place on the jersey since the 2021-22 season.
This summer is one of change for the Paul Heckingbottom’s side, who retained their Championship status on the final day of last campaign to secure a 10th straight season in the second tier.
They have already made four permanent signings, with goalkeeper Daniel Iversen – a former loanee and player of the year in 2021-22 – joining from Leicester.
Preston have also snapped up highly rated wing-back Thierry Small from Charlton, midfielder Jordan Thompson from Stoke, and right-back Pol Valentin from Sheffield Wednesday.
Forward Daniel Jebbison has also joined from Bournemouth on a season-long loan.
The spate of signings has been necessary for the Lilywhites, who are set to lose multiple key players at the end of their contracts.
Freddie Woodman, Emil Riis, Patrick Bauer, Kian best, and Kian Taylor will all move on, while Ryan Ledson has already joined Huddersfield Town after seven years of service.
Meanwhile, Theo Mawene has joined Brentford and Layton Stewart has gone to FC Thun in Switzerland.
