THOUSANDS of fans have returned their verdict on Middlesbrough Football Club's new away strip.

Their choice, a black and blue striped kit, is expected to be a runaway success, its colours evoking memories of the Boro's 1974 championship run.

Supermodel Adriana Karembeu encouraged more fans than ever before to take part in a vote to choose the new away strip by posing in six different alternative designs.

Some 6,0000 supporters took part in the poll, with 36 per cent choosing the winning strip.

The strip goes on sale today exclusively from the MFC Retail stores and the club's official website at www.mfc.co.uk.

John Barton, the club's retail operations manager, said kit sales remained very important to Premier League clubs like Middlesbrough.

He said: "In fact, I would go as far to say that this is the most eagerly anticipated away kit we have ever had. The fans love the retro style, as it brings back memories of Charlton's champions of 1974. We expect it to be a big hit."

Boro launched their new home kit in May and the team wore it for their final fixture of the season, the 2-1 victory over West Ham United.

Mr Barton said: "The home strip has been a huge success. We have already sold more than 75 per cent of the home shirts sold in the whole of last season - and that was an excellent sale itself.''

The new strips carry a sell-by date to ensure supporters are aware of their life-span.

The first customer through the door at MFC Retail stores at the stadium and town centre will receive a complimentary shirt sporting No.1 on its back.

Read more about the Boro here.