Suits you, Sir!

Published on 17th May 2007 in News

Ever wondered what Cristiano Ronaldo's inside leg measurements are?

Staff at a menswear manufacturing company in Goole know not only the Portuguese striker's details - but also those of the entire Manchester United first team!

BMB Clothing, on Rawcliffe Road, were given the enviable but demanding task of creating the suits that United's players, coaching staff and directors will wear at their FA Cup Final against Chelsea on Saturday.

BMB Clothing, who worked in conjunction with designer William Hunt and Savile Row in London, received the cloth just over two weeks ago.

The fitting took place at United's training ground, Carrington Training Ground, which Jean Joyce, product development manager, described as an 'oasis'.

"It was absolutely amazing," she said.

"I said to Ronaldo: "And your name is?" and he looked slightly surprised.

"But I redeemed myself by saying: "Oh, I know who you are, my niece loves you!

"They were all very nice, though."

Keith Ashby, group made-to-measure controller for BMB, added: "It's probably the most prestigious contract we've had, particularly because it's the first FA cup final at the new Wembley."

In the company's 'hall of fame' are photos of the Red Arrows, Dickie Bird and in the reception area is a suit signed by an England World Cup team.

It will soon be joined by a Manchester United one - an extra 'Ryan Giggs suit' has been made which the players will be asked to sign.

The contract may have been prestigious, but it has also been hard work for the small team.

"The team has been brilliant," said Jean.

"They're really excited and they've worked weekends, morning and evening, to get them finished.

"Sir Alex Ferguson couldn't believe we how quickly we'd done things."

Forty-six suits have been made in all - 22 for the first team, 13 coaching staff, including Sir Alex Ferguson, three for the reserve team and the remainder for directors and administrative staff.

Navy blue on the outside, the suits have a red and white lining to reflect the team's colours and the names are embroidered on the inside, Wembley onto the collar.

They have been accessorised with shoes, shirts and cuff links and will be worn by the players before and possibly after the big match.

Tickets for the final are like gold dust and sadly the staff will not be able to watch the suits and their wearers in person.

But two of them - Christina Sanderson and Danielle Staniforth - were the winners of a draw to see who went to a press conference on Tuesday at United's ground, where the team appeared in their suits.

"I'm excited and nervous," said Christina on Tuesday.

As we left BMB, staff were getting ready to take the precious cargo to Manchester United.

Football fans themselves, neither Jean nor Keith would comment on who would win.

They do know, however, who will be wearing winning suits.