The REAL TRUTH about why HASHTAG LEFT HUMMEL

[@SpencerFC]

Not an enjoyable video to make but important for our fans to understand what went on. I’m really proud of how well we were able to handle such bad news and still have an incredibly successful season. Big thanks to everyone who made it possible and big thanks to adidas for getting us back on track for this season 💛💙

[@LeoShindogs]

Spen, sending you a big bear hug. -Leo

[@jgibbo5067]

I love these type of videos as in the insight we get but it’s an unfortunate reason for you to make it

[@gingerladgames5675]

Hummel were a quality kit sponsor always make class kits when I seen the switch to adidas I was a bit gutted but really appreciate this video explains a lot and is really eye opening to a football fan about the insides of football that is kept away from fans. This is why hashtag is loved by everyone it’s a fans club. UP THE TAGS

[@jackd9721]

We appreciate the transparency from you both very much. You do not see this sort of clarity to the public from many if any other businesses

[@d.akerejola6165]

Request guys, please can you do a video/podcast on how you run a football club? Very intriguing to see how you make decisions.

[@yoljuma4431]

Id love once a month or once every couple months spen and seb sit down and do a club update and stuff like this

[@HashtagUnited]

Decent idea. If you guys watch, no reason why we can’t make this happen.

[@truechaosmulala3831]

@@HashtagUnitedI agree but I feel once a month is a little to frequent I feel once every other month or once every 3 months

[@BenTheBadger]

I can see one a quarter almost like a business update would be a most sustainable idea

[@NoahChabot]

I agree. I, and I'm sure a lot of other people, would be so interested in seeing how clubs are run from a business perspective.

[@espben360]

@@BenTheBadgerthat’s a good idea, seeing as businesses do run by quarters so Q1, Q2, 3 and 4.

[@HashtagUnited]

We hope this helps fill in some details for you…let us know if you want more insider videos like this…

[@StreamingForMom]

Of course! These are the best

[@betterspud21]

More of these please. It's unique and interesting to see what goes on to build a club.

[@conorwells9129]

i would like more, very interesting insight into the club.

[@jameswg13]

This definitely helps explain some things as well not to mention why we don't see some fantastic kit makers worldwide not break into certain markets as well.

[@SebOnGolf]

Big video guys, hope you enjoyed hearing more from behind them scenes. So pumped for the new season to get going!!! #️⃣

[@GillesMacey]

Proud of you guys. One step back and three forward! 💪#️⃣

[@ItMustBeLuke]

how can i go about getting refunded or even getting the shirt?

[@d.akerejola6165]

I remember the days of the balaclavad Fifa Playa, and now Spencer is a father, a club owner and a highly intelligent individual alongside his brother. It’s been a great journey watching Spencer,Seb and Hashtag from the get go. Great video! Keep it up!

[@idelsilva1339]

My guy really went from playing career mode to buying stakes in real Oviedo to own a whole club

[@MadsRitzau]

Honestly you lot are quite inspiring. I can’t explain how happy I am that there is direct communication between you and the fans. One of the reasons this club is so great to support. There is personality behind the brand and I’m all for it!

[@HashtagUnited]

Much appreciated! We’ve always wanted to bring you all along on the journey. Unfortunately that’s going to mean some dips as well as the high points 👊

[@betterspud21]

Couldn't agree more!

[@fruktpaj7356]

​@@HashtagUnitedonce every trimester would be perfect.

[@Rakettivuori]

Many clubs could learn from Hashtag in terms of this

[@BenosThom22]

To achieve what you have on the pitch this season is absolutely beyond belief considering all of the administration issues going on behind the scenes. The fact you have all managed to come out the other side of that is just a true testament to all the hard work that you both, and everyone associated with the club do. Fair play to you all and keep grafting!

[@HashtagUnited]

Will do 👊

[@jaybiswas4484]

I love these videos where seb and Spencer talk about hashtag I know it’s not always possible but I really enjoy it

[@SuperPassword97]

The fact they are willing to be so transparent about behind the scenes. Makes me love this club even more I wish more teams will take example.

[@oisindaly7675]

Massive credit to spen and seb both honest and selfless been watching since I was 8 now I’m 16 😢

[@HashtagUnited]

Thanks for the support 👊

[@owenmyles5519]

Hi thanks for the transparency with this most football clubs won’t do this!

[@matthewcaddick]

As a bristol city fan thanks for explaining this, we were sponsored by hummel (elite) but cut ties halfway through the season and was always wondering why.

[@HenrikCOYG]

Too bad tbf as Hummel produced some brilliant kits for you guys in the last couple of

[@matthewcaddick]

@@HenrikCOYG yeah some of the best kits we’ve had

[@ifnecessary_92]

o neills kit isnt half bad either tho@@HenrikCOYG

[@nitraiders117]

Such a crap situation guys, I hope this goes to you guys directly, up the Tags!!!

[@nitraiders117]

35:55 Spenny the socialist, what a king

[@aryaanshastri2364]

I've been following the Tags since the beginning in 2016, the journey from matches on top of a shopping mall to being in the actual football pyramid being a legitimate football club has been insane. The work that goes into keeping this club afloat and successful is truly commendable. Proud to be a supporter of this club, love from India🇮🇳

[@jpfor7una]

really nice to have a football team that actually talks straight and objective with the fans and all that, getting to know a bit about what goes on in the background is really nice, congrats on the way everyone at the club handled this nightmare of a situation, you guys deserve the best!

[@Brunners90]

I made a comment at the time it was announced that you had gone back to adidas - and I just want to say again thanks to Spencer actually responding and explaining the situation at the time. It can't have been easy and I'm sorry you guys ahve had to deal with what I can only imagine has been a nightmare behind the scenes! Up the tags!

[@HashtagUnited]

Thank you 👊

[@keithclarke83]

I appreciate the continued transparency, even before this issue arose, you always explained the reasons as to why you had done X,Y, and Z. Within the football sphere, I do believe things like this will continue to happen unfortunately, and that could lead to other club's demise going forward. Thankfully Hashtag are still here, and I hope that the adventure can continue for many many years to come. Up the Tags!

[@HashtagUnited]

Yes we want to bring you guys along with us and whilst you wouldn’t need or want to know everything, this was important to share.

[@CristianoRonaldo-lu2wf]

​@@HashtagUnitedhii

[@Micfri300]

Yes a lot of cryptocurrency firms have not paid roma and inter their sponsorship money and we are talking millions.

[@brycehenry5191]

Really appreciate the update guys! Was wondering when this video would come out. My wife and I were talking to Sindy C-B at TST a bit about this and when she mentioned "yeah we had to buy our own kits back." I was stunned. I graduated with degrees in Accounting and Finance and I've worked in a variety of businesses for the past 6 years and had never heard of anything like that before! No wonder the wife and I couldn't get our hands on kits the past 6 months. Regardless, grateful Adidas is partnered with the club now and it's only up from here! #UpTheTags

[@jmilli5564]

The Tags will always draw good talent because of their platform. Thank you to the players that got the Tags to promotion, and I’m even more excited to see the new players that will take this squad to new heights.

[@Nalitzis]

Prouder than I've ever been to be a small part of this community. Up the TAGS!

[@betterspud21]

You made the right call in making this video and I respect you for doing so. I've got 100% faith in the team that runs this club and I completely support everything you do. I think it's quite a rare thing to see a football club (or any business really) run this well and making decisions for the right reasons. Let's hope the future has some big positives to help put this behind us.

[@HashtagUnited]

Many thanks!

[@Shadradstar]

Been following your story for years, when you were just a humble FIFA content creator. It’s great to see you making such incredible strides in the game you love whilst challenging those you wrong you along the way. Don’t go changing!

[@thisisunitive]

The human approach to business that you both show is the reason I’ve stayed a Spencer FC and Hashtag fan into adulthood. However bad the situation, the way that it’s been dealt with is exceptional. An inspiration for how I’d want to run a business in future 👍

[@HashtagUnited]

Many thanks and good luck when you do 👍

[@seaneldridge2318]

Incredible video. Credit to both of you and everyone else involved for steering the club through this.

[@HashtagUnited]

You too 👊

[@saderzz1560]

Great message sent to other businessmen and club owners of the importance of running a club sustainably. Not a pretty video to make, but an important one - great work lads

[@oweninsertlastname1575]

I'm happy that you made this video, because as a mostly casual viewer of the channel I would have had no idea something like this was going on and it gives me insight into the behind the scenes of running a football team

[@wonkeydonkeydonkeychannel8566]

It is important to appreciate the huge amount of cost and administration that is behind the game we all love to watch. Sponsorship is key so it was hugely damaging to all clubs affected by this. Well done for keeping the fans informed. We go on stronger and wiser ❤

[@Minimikeish]

Massive well done to you all for dealing with this and still achieving as a club!! Up the Tags! Love the inside info we get as hashtag fans, keep doing what you do Spence and Seb!

[@carlspice4019]

Its a shame that this happened as i love the hummel kits you released, but glad you landed on ya feet. And love the fact your able and willing to talk about this as its good to see behind the veil of companies and how it works at times. Heres hoping for a smoother future.

[@Jay_Coop]

Been watching Spencer since his FIFA days, and it's amazing to see these brothers build a club from the ground up--and do it the right way. Genuine role models on the internet are incredibly hard to find, but you are both diamonds in the rough. So excited to watch you and this club succeed, UP THE TAGS!!!

[@galahad2975]

Really incredible stuff that through all of the ups and downs you continue to be transparent with the hashtag faithful! Appreciate all the work you lot put in and excited for what the future holds for the club!!

[@Tipps72]

Bristol City did similar towards the back end of last season with Hummel. From a Bristol City supporter perspective, it got to the stage where in basically last September, Hummel were unable to supply the club with replica kits! Nothing was announced from the club or Hummel until about March when the club announced that they were cancelling the deal with Hummel due to the fact that by this time they couldn’t even supply the team with kit for the players to wear for league matches so the club had to go elsewhere & have since announced a deal with O’Neills. Bristol City had also signed a multi year deal (5+ years with Hummel).

[@HashtagUnited]

Yes that sounds familiar.

[@RobJaskula]

I play GAA which is dominated by O'Neills, it's definitely a plus to be dealing with the manufacturer directly - and one that has such a strongly established business. Their stuff is generally nicely designed and good quality, but a bit pricey. Fits are slim!

[@dieseljr7946]

Sorry to hear about this whole situation guys, but it is very interesting to hear about the behind the scenes workings of a football club from your guys' perspective. I hope now that it's settled a little more you're able to keep making content on the Spencer FC channel, I love that style of content you put out!

[@angelwalsh6553]

Everton’s deal wasn’t with Elite Distributors, it’s direct with Hummel. Everton were not affected by elite going into administration

[@RobJaskula]

Yeah I think they have a deal with Fanatics for their merchandise that pre-dates Elite

[@WishyBen]

You both speak so intelligently and clearly about this topic. Just shows how Hashtag has become the success that it is today when there are people like you working behind the scenes.

[@Robbie_Roy]

Us in Yeovil had the same problem but with kits not coming in so we actually barely had any shirts sold to the club

[@jackd9721]

Whilst not enjoyable to hear, I find it very interesting seeing this sort of stuff from a business perspective As a job I work with a lot of businesses so hearing different situations, good stories, troubles and opportunities is always eye opening

[@martinorme2887]

Big Video, but an accurate and honest one that needs to be shared! Personally appreciate the acknowledgement for Seb and the behind the scenes staff in getting accredited for some of their achievements in running this club! Been a follower on youtube for some time now, even my 4 year old loves the kit colors and will certainly be ordering (would love one in her (5 year old girl) size so we can match) and hoping to one day make a live game, however being in Dubai is always a struggle!

[@MultiMazdo]

It's absolutely crazy to hear what has happened, but the fact that you have made a video to tell us in the first place is why I love Hashtag, the communication between the club and us fans is fantastic. Love you guys so much and wish you all the best for the Adidas sponsor! Up the Tags! #💛💙

[@Sup-zv3tz]

The thing that got me gutted the most from this situation is that the stadium is going to take more time to become a reality. Really wish we had a stadium in our control

[@HashtagUnited]

Well if just 10% of you became members it would become a reality very quickly!

[@MattRobson1]

@@HashtagUnitedcheeky git

[@chadsingh688]

Honestly what a massive thing to happen😳I went to order a kit around Christmas time to show my appreciation but the website was down. Glad you guys shed light on this and will be ordering this seasons kit

[@jimbalfour7401]

Brilliant that you're so accountable, and savvy. Such responsibility being taken for potential pitfalls demonstrates everything we admire and respect in your leadership! ❤ I know you listen to feedback, and the praise you'll receive for your handling of this is thoroughly deserved!

[@HashtagUnited]

We read every comment so yes we appreciate this 👊

[@lfcippe4919]

Thanks for sharing and thankfully you are still operating and there are great things to come.

[@finocallaghan]

Fair play to everyone involved behind the scenes at Hashtag - ye should be incredibly proud of the great work you’re doing 👏🏻

[@randomuser2724]

Very inspiring the way you guys are running the club. I’m convinced that if you continue to do everything right that’s in your control, luck will be on your side in the future

[@boisesoccer]

All the backend business details makes me feel like a shareholder of Hashtag United watching this video. Hope it only gets better business wise from now on. Thanks Spencer & Seb for sharing this information! Best of luck in the next season!

[@darthhood10]

I have been a fan since the creation of the club, and I appreciate you still keep this level of communication with the fans and supporters. I'm super happy of everything Hashtag has achieved over the past years, and glad that you've always been profissional with the brand and shirt deals you have signed. Hashtag is back with Adidas and I can't wait to see the new kits and get hold of them. Up the TAGS!! 💙💛 From a portuguese supporter...

[@miltonmj0122]

I purchased something during this time and I was really excited to receive it and never received the product nor the money. I was disappointed that I didn’t receive it but I’m so glad that you got talked about it! I can’t wait for the season to start!

[@HashtagUnited]

We are sorry to hear that. You can and should look into how to get a charge back. But as mentioned, we didn’t know who had ordered or who was in this position.

[@SuperMason1977]

This was a really good watch and very informing as a Millwall and hashtag supporter you guys have explained everything clear now as Millwall said nothing tbh and obviously it affects Hashtag financially more,just glad for you all Adidas are back..Good luck to all involved in new season..And new kit is Awesome 👍

[@dentographist]

Been following Hastag since it started with the OG team having Faz and the guys. Love these type of video's. Hope you guys get reimbursed.

[@greg3982]

Explains a lot about other clubs too. Bristol city randomly getting a new kit. What an awful situation, seriously impressive to stay on track with all this uncertainty.

[@pedrofmbs]

How can you not like these guys and Hashtag? Thanks for sharing!

[@robinthebobin6537]

Honestly everything about this club is properly done. I love how upfront you guys are about this stuff, and Hashtag's connection to the fans. Everyone involved in running this club is a credit to themselves, the fans, non-league football as a whole and your families! Keep being legends - Spen, Seb, Alex and everyone else involved❤

[@mastertrams]

I've always been impressed with Hashtag's sustainability ever since I started watching regularly (which, thinking about it now, was probably the same time as Elite went into administration), and on multiple fronts too! As a transport advocate, I've always been massively impressed that you include the nearest railway station on your "Next Match" tweets. So a club that is sustainable both financially and environmentally is one I'm happy to support. Maybe even become a member, but I doubt that will happen for a while. Thinking of which, I've just remembered two questions I originally thought of months ago, which I would be quite interested to know the answers to: 1) You probably don't have the exact numbers, given you aren't a transport company, but do you have even a guesstimate of what percentage of your fans travel to matches by public transport such as buses and trains? 2) Given its the only aspect of the future stadium I have any expertise in, what would be the ideal level of transport access you'd be looking for in a new stadium site?

[@HashtagUnited]

Thanks for the comments and interesting questions. No we don’t have the data but an educated guess would be 30-50% at home games coming via public transport. We aren’t overly well situated for that, and that seems to be an issue with out of town non-league clubs. Many are off the beaten track, and if a relevant site does become available in Essex, the likelihood is it would be a way away from decent transport access…

[@rriiSSii]

Huge respect to Spencer, seb and all the team. Absolutely amazing seeing how far fifaplaya has come!

[@Jakester88]

These types are the videos where we, as a community, feel really part of the club. Onwards and upwards!

[@J.L.Media.]

Adidas have always been my favorite kit manufacturer and (unpopular opinion) I prefer a more basic, old fashioned kit design over a unique, patterned one. Love you guys for sharing this. Everyone, next time you see some hater online belittling Hashtag’s achievements, send them to this video. Financial crisis and the Tags go on a 21 game winning streak! This club is an absolute specimen! Up up up!!!! ❤️ #

[@jacobstallard3634]

Mad how something like this could happen, at Bristol city we had no kits in the club shop from September time and ended up changing kit suppliers early 2023 due to the club not having enough stock. Glad to see Adidas have come in and helped hashtag

[@fksloboden]

One of a kind content that can be found only on your channel. Watching this felt like being on a club board meeting :) Keep up the magnificent work guys, cause you are certainly a success story and a role model four our, and hopefully for many other clubs around the rest of the world.

[@kristianwebb9465]

So interesting to know what goes on in football behind the scenes. Very well run club by the sound of things, hope you continue to have success

[@bradleycoulter9162]

The transparency by this club is amazing to see! Well done guys ###

[@hecky6092]

Absolute legends as always. Hope you guys get it all sorted. I've always loved Adidas... looking forward to getting a new kit.

[@DJHD85]

Brilliant video, always enjoy hearing from Spencer & Seb. Must have been a hard video to make but such an important message to get out there. Well done guys, keep up the good work #️⃣#️⃣#️⃣

[@MrAaronWomball]

Such an interesting video from the perspective of someone who got the pink away shirt from Classic Football Shirts. The quality of this video and the way you run the club is why so many like me support the team. Buzzing to buy the next season shirts.

[@andreusforde8453]

I'm going thru a similar problem with a sponsor for a club that's supposed to make a payment to me. And you try so hard to maintain a good working relationship until sometimes it reaches too late sigh. Love the vid guys up the tagsss

[@HashtagUnited]

All the best with it 👊

[@AIeksejs]

Im so sorry this happend. must have been super stressfull for people who put their time and passion into this club.. but this also shows that you guys are the perfect people to run this club!! On an other note i just want to say that i would like to see seb more on the screen because he really good on camera and at delivering the information on an impartial mannor. (ofcourse Spen too. but i feel like seb is more underrated :D )

[@CountFisco]

Really appreciate the openness and impressed by how well you dealt with this

[@danielswallow98]

The real question is, how do I become an administrator!? 😂 Well done for handling it so well guys, big up Adidas!

[@purplecowphin]

I figured something like this had happened. I bought a hashtag kit every year until this year. I tried to buy one but never received it. Had to the chargeback like you guys said. It sucks that it happened, but that’s life. Glad you guys were able to keep things running despite this.

[@ryanjenkins7864]

Great video lads throughly enjoyed the behind the scenes runnings which I could not imagine the stress and how you guys dont have grey hairs ;) love all vids and up the tags #

[@JosephHerzog]

As someone who ordered 2 shirts that never arrived, you guys making this video means a lot. To now have closure on why they never showed up, thank you!

[@wonkeydonkeydonkeychannel8566]

Hopefully you paid by card and claim your money back

[@lukebatch1068]

Love love loved this video!! I’d love to see a video on what you have for a 2/5/10 year plan from a club/business standpoint now you’ve released a video of this kind.

[@CJSOfficial]

Amazing watch absolutely love the fact you guys have been so transparent about such a tough moment. Really love everything this great club is doing💛💙#

[@crayolapencils247]

Business is TOUGH man. Thankful you guys made it through that 🙏🏾

[@mycomment293]

This is why I follow you guys from halfway across the globe. The transparency between the club and the fans is refreshing.

[@HashtagUnited]

Many thanks for the support 👊

[@wonkeydonkeydonkeychannel8566]

Great to have you with us

[@miverick86]

this now makes complete sense, my wife had issues buying me one of the jersey's last season. shame some really nice strips and the potential damage to the club is shameful from them

[@charliereza5544]

Amazing video! You both taught me so much with this video. Massive props to way you guys are making decisions, and sorry you have to go through this! Can’t wait to grab one for next season knowing this back story now.

[@HashtagUnited]

Thank you!

[@stixdoggyman7344]

When Elite Sports Grouo when into administration they had approx £9m worth of stock, shocking really that they had brought so much stock from Hummel rather than purchasing direct when the orders came in. Some of their stock was 3 years old and would have been discontinued by Hummel as with all brands, each kit has a shelf life before it is replaced by an updated design

[@user-do7ij9cs8d]

From a previous business student, You make the complicated inner workings seem easily understandable. I would genuinely listen to a Spen financial podcast/update.

[@andreasolsen575]

You two are hero’s and hashtag will always be growing with you two at the helm and even though you almost never heard any praise towards the management I think you guys are well deserving and doing things that seem impossible to others keep going and up the TAGS

[@alfiegallagher1651]

Saw the same thing happen to Bristol City, was confused why they changed from Hummel, which this video explains their situation aswell.

[@chrisomarm]

Top lads, thanks for the important update. Have been supporting since day 1!! Can’t wait for the new season to begin #UptheTags

[@freddiesilverstone]

Really interesting video, and props to you guys in keeping the club afloat through all the setbacks from the sponsor

[@TheNearPostPod]

The older viewers will appreciate this. Great insight and I'm glad you boys came through this

[@Jakko25]

My local team was sponsored by Hummel, and the first kit they commissioned was received so poorly that we basically told them to scrap it, and we’ll use a different kit with a different manufacturer for a year whilst you go back to the drawing board and try again. Funnily enough we’ve just moved from Hummel to a different manufacturer now

[@alfmartin8064]

Personally i would love a financial breakdown of stuff of how much a club cost. Think everyone would love it

[@brian-lee63]

Full credit to Spencer & Seb for this video great insight & explanation into it & I can’t wait to see the new adidas kits

[@capez4558]

Glad we got this video. I don't know if it's only me but this wanted me to support the team more.ive supported for around 3 years and can't wait to support for many more years.

[@HashtagUnited]

And we appreciate it always 👊

[@iotapoet]

Hey, lawyer here. Did you try to negotiate any parent company guarantees, insurance or advance payment bonds for the advance payments? These cover you for specific performance under a contract if a company goes bust. Can’t help you now but something you can look to in the future to mitigate any future risks. It’s a big point in the construction industry which has similar cash flow issues.

[@HashtagUnited]

Thank you - this is one for Seb 👊

[@maxwadsworth5385]

This is actually such an interesting video. It’s really insightful to get a better understanding to some of the backgrounds process’s of a football club, as well the deeper understanding to administration.

[@greekos99]

Wow, what an absolute nightmare, but really glad you’ve come through it and things are looking up again. Out of interest, couldn’t Cesar make a donation to the club to help? Thinking about it, I get it, it’s not how you want to use that connection and shareholder in that way and setting your stall out to be self-sustaining and respect for not doing it.

[@billyporkoftheblue]

Thank you for making this, I’m not a Hashtag fan but I do support a team that this issue with Hummel affected, this helped to explain a lot.

[@AlexPettitt]

Really interesting video Spen & Seb! Had no idea any of this went on last year but found it fascinating to hear how you both navigated it🙌

[@iTsC0R3YMC123]

Love the transparency, keeps us fans closer to the club we are passionate about. Sorry to hear about all the bother but congrats and great work keeping your head above water. Definitely will be back stronger after this setback 🧱

[@2011Slimline]

I feel like me and thousands of others went through this process personally with football index. Legal robbery. Its a learning curve though, im glad you guys came through.

[@CB7SCOTLAND]

I feel bad for you guys but it is a credit to the club that through this you manged a 20 game unbeaten run and won the title

[@OxidizeTunes]

The fact that you bounced back from all of these financial struggles and to STILL win the league

[@thebomb78]

A shame. The same situation as we had at Millwall with the Hummel distributer after signing a 5 year deal. Now we're with Erreà which I'm not happy about.

[@RileyRedux]

Love these types of videos from you guys, honestly it's by far the best thing across your channels! Very interesting to see how things work behind the scenes at this level. It's pretty sad that the rich get away with behaving like this.

[@bennilad5696]

Very interesting insight into the ongoing behind the scenes. More videos in the style of business side of club would be fantastic to watch

[@felixthijssen]

Thanks for your transparency guys!