Gaffer
31-05-10, 04:48 PM
http://www.sport.co.uk/news/Football/32588/Could_Arsenal_forego_white_sleeves_for_their_125th _anniversary.aspx
Sport.co.uk understands that Arsenal could remove their trademark white sleeves from their home kit as they celebrate the 125th anniversary of the club in 2011 by replicating shirts worn by the club’s founding fathers.
Founded by workers at the Woolwich Arsenal Armament Factory, and taking the name Dial Square, the sociable amateurs played their first game in December 1886 before quickly adopting the name ‘Royal Arsenal’ and acquiring in 1895, from former Nottingham Forest players, a set of red jerseys.
It is believed that kit manufacturers Nike, in conjunction with the Gunners board, are keen to highlight the historical significance of the dark red shirts although it is as yet unknown whether the kits will be worn for an entire season or for a one off occasion. Given the success of the all maroon shirts, worn to celebrate the last year at former stadium Highbury, it is thought that a more long-term option could be adopted to maximise revenue.
It was only in 1925, and the arrival of legendary manager Herbert Chapman, that the famous white sleeves were added to the red shirts to give the dashing effect which has since become Arsenal’s trademark style.
North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur sported a special shirt to celebrate their own 125th anniversary in 2007 when they played in a half sky blue, half white shirt during their 4-4 draw against Aston Villa. Interestingly the Lilywhites did themselves sport red shirts between 1890-96 but appeared to quickly change to white, via a two year flirtation with brown, when the Gunners adopted the colour.
Personally I am not fussed. I really liked the dark red tops more than the standard red ones.
Sport.co.uk understands that Arsenal could remove their trademark white sleeves from their home kit as they celebrate the 125th anniversary of the club in 2011 by replicating shirts worn by the club’s founding fathers.
Founded by workers at the Woolwich Arsenal Armament Factory, and taking the name Dial Square, the sociable amateurs played their first game in December 1886 before quickly adopting the name ‘Royal Arsenal’ and acquiring in 1895, from former Nottingham Forest players, a set of red jerseys.
It is believed that kit manufacturers Nike, in conjunction with the Gunners board, are keen to highlight the historical significance of the dark red shirts although it is as yet unknown whether the kits will be worn for an entire season or for a one off occasion. Given the success of the all maroon shirts, worn to celebrate the last year at former stadium Highbury, it is thought that a more long-term option could be adopted to maximise revenue.
It was only in 1925, and the arrival of legendary manager Herbert Chapman, that the famous white sleeves were added to the red shirts to give the dashing effect which has since become Arsenal’s trademark style.
North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur sported a special shirt to celebrate their own 125th anniversary in 2007 when they played in a half sky blue, half white shirt during their 4-4 draw against Aston Villa. Interestingly the Lilywhites did themselves sport red shirts between 1890-96 but appeared to quickly change to white, via a two year flirtation with brown, when the Gunners adopted the colour.
Personally I am not fussed. I really liked the dark red tops more than the standard red ones.