Turns out it was Leeds United who were the first team to sell replica kits.
Back in around 1974 I had an Admiral Leeds United replica kit meaning it must have been one of these ones - the first replica kits that were sold - now of course it's a multi billion pound global business, and one of the examples of planned obsolescence that I teach about as the kits are all changed every year to encourage consumers to buy this season's kit rather than last season's.
There will also be an away and third kit as well offered, plus more money to add the name of your favourite player onto the back.
The book goes into the various stories surrounding the economics of kits, and the political and cultural rivalries within cities depending on which colour shirt you wear. I'm going to be spending some time developing some resources for some of the elements here.
Comments