Newport County to wear Skindred-inspired kit in Rodney Parade clash

NEWPORT County AFC will be ready to rock Rodney Parade tomorrow afternoon in a special one-off kit, which fuses football with music in a collaboration with Newport band Skindred.

The reggae metal group, who reached number two in the UK charts last year with their highly acclaimed eighth album Smile, will feature on the front of a bespoke shirt for the League Two clash with Carlisle United (kick-off 3pm).

The kit will pay homage to the city’s Caribbean community through its unique design created by Neal Heard, the club’s new creative director and founder of football fashion brand Lover’s FC.

Skindred have risen to fame with their energetic fusion of reggae, punk and heavy metal that has exploded with high-octane live performances at major festivals and sold-out venues across the globe that also feature the ‘Newport Helicopter’.

Fronted by Benji Webbe, Skindred’s charismatic lead singer who still lives in Pill and holds the city close to his heart despite becoming a 30-year overnight sensation, the band will also sell the Exiles shirt across its own channels to help raise the club’s profile across the globe.

“Skindred and Newport are joined at the hip,” declared Webbe. “Skindred have been flying the flag for the city from day one and for us to be part of the official kit is something dreams are made of.

“The Exiles embody the resilience, passion and edginess that inspire our music, and we’re honoured to be part of their journey under the club’s new ownership.

“I was born here in Newport. Whether you’re black or your white, the colour of your skin doesn’t matter; it’s your attitude. I think that’s what draws Newport together.

“Music and football bring people together and gives them the freedom to be themselves. It sets people free – and that’s what I love.

“Newport County means something to everybody in Newport, whether you like football or not. No matter the manager, no matter the players, the club brings a lot of love to this town.

“The shirt for me is a Rasta style shirt,” he added. “Rasta for me is community, Rasta for me is love, and Rasta to me is togetherness, which is what Newport and this shirt is all about – love, togetherness and unity.”

County chairman Huw Jenkins also welcomed the partnership, adding: "We’re delighted to team up with Skindred, a band that truly represents the spirit of Newport.

“This collaboration not only enhances our club’s profile, but also underscores the power of community and shared pride in the city. We look forward to working together to create memorable moments for our fans.”

The Skindred shirt is now available to purchase at the club shop in Friars Walk, at the stadium on matchdays and on the club website.