Delays and disquiet with the 2021-2 edition put a thought into our head – what are the best all-time Stevenage kits we’ve seen? Like all teams, Boro’ are blessed to have worn some real gems over the years. On the flip side, we’ve also stepped out in proper clangers. Looking back, you’ll also notice how our shirts have reflected the design trends of the time. And our standing in the football pyramid. Of course, the latter doesn’t necessarily mean ‘bad shirts’. The former? Hmm.
And like all teams nowadays, pumping out the replica shirts is huge business. You only need to see the impact of our Burger King sponsorship (and FIFA challenge) to understand that. If Boro’ are increasing global shirt sales by 300% at £43 a pop, that’s… a lot of cash. A shirt is also often the first impression for a lot of people when it comes to our club. “What’s that shirt mate”, “Are you a Stevenage fan, pal?”, and “Cool threads, bro” is the sort of vibe that we’re getting at here.
So, that’s why it’s essential a shirt lands a good first punch. Here are five Stevenage kits that, in our opinion, did just that. And, in actual fact, continue to make us swoon even today…
5 of the Best Boro’ Stevenage Kits
1996-8 Home
Some football teams can be defined by their shirt designs. Peru and their single red sash, for example. Or the green and white hoops of Celtic. How about the dark blue with yellow belt of Boca Juniors? If you had to pick one of the many Stevenage kits to define us, we’d be both surprised and mortified if you didn’t pick this diagonal delight.
It has a guaranteed place in Boro’ folklore. In fact, the club even turned back to the design in 2016 – but inexplicably dropped it after just one season. Can we have it back please?
Iconic Moments: 1997 FA Trophy semi-final vs Woking; 1998 FA Cup R4 vs Newcastle.
2008-10 Away
It isn’t long before we start wading into contentious territory and perhaps this one will start a debate. No doubt its detractors will say it’s a Pompey knock-off or something like that. It is, however, much more than that. First, it’s one of those Stevenage kits that’s a bit unique in its design. Second, the colour scheme just works for us; dominated by a striking blue.
Iconic Moments: Wrapping up the 2009-10 Blue Square Premier title at Kidderminster.
1998-00 Home
This choice will surely light the blue touch-paper. Essentially, it goes against our traditional red and white. Mind you, a closer look at all those many Stevenage kits through the years will show that we spent a lot of the 1980s turning out in all red. Anyway, we think this shirt design was almost ahead of its time; the fading black into red creating a really classy look.
If you’re that keen on red and white, imagine this shirt design with those colours. Mmm.
Iconic Moments: Er, any flying Carl Alford goal
1985-6 Home
Out of all the 1980s shirts , it was a tight call between Litesome’s 1984-5 Adidas lookalike number and a 1985-6 effort from Admiral. Maybe it’s the enduring and endearing charm of England’s 1982 shirt that sways it for Admiral, but what can we say? We like it! We’re even willing to put up with a blue trim. It’s otherwise a lesson in how keeping it simple can work.
It’s also our first non-Vandanel creation in the list.
Iconic Moments: 1985-6 Vauxhall Opel League Division Two North title.
2021-2 Third
At long last, one of our modern kit makers came up with something worth shouting about! Macron needed some practice, but struck gold – or should that be purple – with our 2021-2 third kit. Now, we’re not going to debate the ridiculous reason we need a third kit. We’re also not going to split hairs about the apparent iron-on sponsor. We can’t get enough of it.
Whisper it quietly, but we also don’t mind the current home/away Stevenage kits now they have the sponsor sorted out. But they have nothing on our dazzling purple print.
Iconic Moments: Er, Bristol Rovers away?
What about…?
Do you disagree? Did we miss out another strong kit contender? Don’t be shy in telling us. Use the comments section below or @ us on that social media malarkey…
