The new kit - white shirts with blue socks and shorts - is one of three new strips to be launched by the Priestfield club in time for next season.

Chairman Paul Scally revealed player-manager Andy Hessenthaler had been consulted about the change of colours and approved of the new strip.

Scally told the club's official website: "Hess liked last year's white away kit for a number of reasons, one of which was the high visibility it gives players in dark, winter conditions.

"The players like it, so do our sponsors and I'm sure the supporters will get to like it too.

"I know some of them are against a break in what they see as tradition, but this is not the first time the club has made changes.

"Most of them will know the original colours were black and white stripes and I'm sure the change to blue was not universally welcomed at the time."