Southend United has worked with trusted local print company Solopress for many different jobsand has now tasked them with transforming the players’ changing and tunnel. These two have worked closely over the years, with Solopress retained as the club’s official print partner, and North Stand sponsor. The printer was also the team’s front-of-shirt sponsor in the 2023/2024 season.
After the club’s success in reaching the finals at Wembley last year, the players had earned an upgrade. Solopress had recently designed and produced print and signage in support of Southend’s play-off bid, so the club reached out to them again when it came to transforming the changing rooms into a true team space.
The briefing process was in-depth to ensure the vision could be brought to life. Michael Day, Southend United’s account manager at Solopress, visited Roots Hall to see the space and determine the size and scope of the project. Once both sides agreed on what was needed, Southend United approved the quote and the brief was set: a clean, simple design built around the team’s yellow and blue colours. This was handed over to the Solodesign team at Solopress. Solopress and Southend United were in continuous contact throughout the design process to ensure every detail would reflect their vision. This process did face some practical challenges, with the bold, oversized design needing to remain consistent across multiple panels. However, Solopress designer Oscar Jackson, a regular supporter at Roots Hall, harnessed his strong passion for the club and knowledge of its heritage to produce a set of design designs that were signed off on the first draft. ‘It just came naturally!’ he told us.
The transformation was kept under wraps, and when the players walked in their response was one of awe and delight. This is the fresh new start to the season that Southend United wanted for their players.
According to Rylee Doe, Southend United’s commercial manager: result “Southend United have been working with Solopress for multiple seasons and we’re incredibly proud of our partnership. We were very impressed with the branding of the changing rooms at Wembley Stadium and felt that it was important to replicate that professionalism at Roots Hall for our first team squad. Oscar Jackson and Michael Day were amazing to work with and their support for the team shows in the work produced for us. We hope that the new changing room design sparks inspiration for all of our players throughout the seasons to come.”
A Solopress spokesperson stated “Solopress has thoroughly enjoyed working with the Southend United team and looks forward to many projects in the future.”
