Ian Appleyard: New Mitre ball helping make players more energy efficient

The Mitre Tensile made its bow at grounds up and down the country at the weekend and it will be interesting to note whether it sparks a flood of complaints

The Tensile is a revolutionary football which comprises just 10 panels and over 30 per cent less stitching.

According to its designers, that optimises power and efficiency, improves airflow, and reduces drag on the ball.

This subsequently increases the average speed of a shot and makes it a striker's dream. The ball is the first of its kind and will also be used in the Scottish Premier League.

After 18 months in development, manufacturers Mitre are confident that there will be no repeat of the Jabulani controversy over here.

Marketing manager Nick Crook even describes it as a 'players' ball' based on the feedback from those who have been trialling it over the summer.

Among the clubs involved in the trials were Huddersfield Town – who have always had a good relationship with Mitre due to the company's roots within the area.

Mitre was founded in Huddersfield in 1817 and remained there until 2001 when the business was transferred across the Pennines to Manchester and Blackburn.

Anyone who recalls events from the World Cup will know that German-based company Adidas, who made the Jabulani, allowed the country's players to use the ball for over a season before this summer's tournament.

That led to protests from other countries, some feeling the Germans had been given an unfair advantage, others blaming their own Football Associations for lacking the foresight to request equal access to the ball.

England goalkeeper Robert Green blamed the Jabulani for his howler in his side's opening game against the USA when a low shot from Clinton Dempsey somehow found a way through his fingers on the goalline. Algeria goalkeeper Fawzi Chaouchi also claimed the ball had moved unexpectedly in the air when he allowed a long-range strike from Slovenia's Robert Koren to evade his grasp.

On paper, it may only make a small difference to Huddersfield Town's performances this season but, as discarded Green will testify, an inch can soon turn into a mile.

Each and every club in the Football League have been given balls which feature their own club logo and colours. Nick Crook, Marketing Manager for Mitre, said: "Mitre is a people's sports brand and we are always looking for new and exciting ways to give the fans what they want.

"Reports from those who used it at Huddersfield said they were 'impressed' although some players believed it felt lighter. It is not lighter but it is more efficient and it takes less energy to move."

Hull City's loan signing John Bostock will surely testify to that – after cracking the ball home from 30 yards on Saturday on his debut.