Kirtley to kit out Middlesex

James Kirtley's teamwear company MKK is flying high

Sussex seamer James Kirtley will be at Lord’s next week to put the finishing touches to a major new contract - providing the Middlesex squad with a new strip.

Kirtley launched MKK Sports three years ago and is now overseeing the label as it rapidly becomes one of the leading brands in high quality UK teamwear.

MKK are supplying Middlesex with every element of their squad kit, including the entire professional playing staff, academy players, women’s team, youth section and retail outlet.

Middlesex chief executive Vinny Codrington said: “In addition to the quality of the fabrics and design being offered by MKK, they have done it without the prohibitive costs.

"It is also nice to be working with James, who clearly understands the needs and expectations of the modern player as well as anyone.”

MKK has had a great year which included a tie up with the GB Davis Cup team, on-going supply to Sussex County Cricket Club and support to numerous schools and provincial cricket, football, rugby and hockey teams.

Kirtley said: “The key to the success is the unique way MKK assists the various teams we work with. Rather than offer a traditional catalogue of off-the-shelf clothing, we ask each client exactly what they want and we design it in liaison with them. We match existing team colours precisely and integrate them with bespoke designs.”

The deal with Middlesex includes a 10 per cent commission which MKK are paying straight back into the MCCC youth development system.

Kirtley said: “It is obviously fantastic that MKK are supplying such a huge club like Middlesex. However, it is equally pleasing that the contract allows us to put something back into a sport that has given me so much.”

While Kirtley hopes to make MKK the number one teamwear specialist, the ambitious entrepreneur is also developing a number of other business interests, including a new pre-season tournament in Dubai that has already received backing from several leading county sides and the ICC.

Kirtley added: “Obviously, I am looking forward to several more championship winning seasons at Sussex, but beyond my pro career it is important that I am able to hit the ground running in an equally challenging world.

"Top flight cricketers don’t enjoy the same benefits that many professionals receive in other sports and even ex-England players have to make plans for life after cricket.”