Niall Quinn has made a plea to Sunderland fans to buy their shirts from club stores.

With the new home shirt due to be launched on May 7, Quinn has begged Sunderland supporters to get their new tops from the official club stores, either in Sunderland or Washington, or through the club's website.

Quinn noted that some supporters have resorted to buying this season's shirts cheaper from JJB Sports and Sports Soccer in Sunderland (thereby supporting the owners of Wigan and the Mags respectively).

The chairman said:""I'm sure most fans are aware that the club doesn't earn from Sunderland kit sold in other stores but what they may not be aware of is that by buying from other retail outlets they could actually be investing in the success of rival clubs.

"I'd like to encourage supporters who are looking to buy the new home kit to use our official stores. Only by buying direct from SAFC can fans be assured that any profits will be invested directly back into the club to support Roy Keane and the team for next season."

How's this for a novel idea, Niall? Make sure when a shirt is launched, you have plenty of stock in - and in all sizes! Perhaps if the club shops didn't sell out of the "normal" adult sizes in the first day or so, supporters who really want the new shirt wouldn't have to go to a rival outlet...