My favourite 2015/16 Premier League kits

It's safe to say that I have been well and truly inspired. Having savoured the mammoth opus of the Football Attic (and guests) with "The 50 Greatest Football Shirts Ever", I've had a quick look at the latest offerings from Premier League clubs, to see if there are any potential future challengers. Most of the jerseys are away shirts, I imagine making the most of a bit more scope - most clubs are unlikely to tinker too much with the first choice kits for fear of a backlash.

Those who've read my more recent posts will note that I've not been quite as big a fan as I used to be, for a number of reasons. Despite that, I've still retained my Arsenal sensibilities, so left out some shirts which I do quite like, purely because of the crest on them... So to remain fair, I'll say I do like the collar of the Chelsea home shirt.

Anyway, feel free to comment below - I expect a hearty debate!

West Brom away

When Ant showed me this, I almost feinted. The old-fashioned, embroidered logo. The pinstripes. The V-neck collar. The deep red colour. No sponsor. Absolutely magnificent, with such a heavy 80s leaning that it could quite easily be a retro effort. The basic template is replicated elsewhere, but this is beautifully rendered.

Crystal Palace away

Leaning heavily on an old Admiral effort, nominated by John Devlin in the Greatest Shirts Ever. Another away top, despite the original being a home top. Keeps the now-traditional Palace colours of red and blue in the centre, with a light touch of colour on the sleeves and a half-and-half collar. Unfortunately the finished article has a garish betting company sponsor on, but it's a fine design.

West Ham home

Commemorating the final season at the Boleyn Ground, Umbro have taken the Hammers back to their roots. Simplicity is outstanding in this case, claret with light blue sleeves and a round neck collar with a slight twist. Having the Umbro logo in all lower case works nicely, spoilt only slightly by the additional text on the sleeves. The away kit also returns to the famous light blue with claret band. After last season's excellent Adidas effort, it's two in a row for West Ham.

Arsenal away

My token bias, despite the Puma manufacturer. Gold reminiscent of the 2001/02 jersey, with the twist of the famous contrasting sleeves. The chequered pattern on the body works by not being too crazy, steering just clear of Ronnie Corbett gold territory. The round neck also includes an insert, working nicely with the diamonds. By far Puma's best Arsenal shirt yet.

Southampton away

A risky effort that almost works, but enough to get into my list. The same basic template as the WBA effort above, but going for a sash rather than pinstripes. But I do wonder if Adidas had some sort of bet - this kit, Sunderland's, Swansea's... All green and navy. Maybe they are trying to revive the old Arsenal kit of the eighties? The v-neck collar is definitely a plus, while the sponsor seems to sit nicely in the sash design. I'm a sucker for a sash, it's why I got an Anderlecht top for Christmas last year...

I'm planning on doing a similar blog for my favourite Finnish football shirts over at ETS, watch this space.

Family ties - it's in the blood

The news clippings are there to be found online. Dad signs up child for club membership before umbilical cord is cut... Uncle puts a tenner on the boy to play for England. Is there too much pressure from family to support a certain team?

Made in Chelsea

The above photo was vilified when published in the press, and no wonder. While the arguments are that perhaps the above family belongs more at Anfield, it shows how impressionable kids are, especially when football is involved. While it is impossible to research, children's names must be heavily influenced by their parent's favourite players. It may be worth looking at children registered in Islington in the summer of 1989 being called Michael Thomas...

Commitment in fans is admirable, and it's difficult to imagine your average season ticket holder not singing the more child-friendly songs to newborns as lullabies. A Rangers-supporting cousin of this author is fondly remembered for singing anti-Celtic songs to his unborn child. I don't think he has any Dutch in him, but the below photo may prove otherwise, the resemblence is uncanny...

Schtoppppppp!

Clubs shops up and down the land make a living out of the younger fan. Home draws for the bigger clubs in the cups are welcomed as much for the increased revenue from the future fans, where babygros, bibs and cuddly mascot toys can pay several weeks wages for a wantaway Argentine striker. Loyalty is a commodity that cannot be easily bought, and the clubs know this. Yes it's exploitation, yes it's somewhat murky. But give a 5-year-old a day out at a successful team, the smell of Bovril, meat pie and defeat can be intoxicating.

Plus you know who to blame for Mexican waves and countdowns at Carling Cup matches...

Yes son, that is the new Spurs ground over there...

Balls to it - the changing faces of footballs

This weekend sees the arrival of the Seitiro Hi-Vis football, the yellow version of the ball used in all Premier League games… Now an annual event, when the league use an apparently more visible ball for the gloomy winter months. Another evolution in the key piece of equipment in the game? Or just a blatant excuse to plug budding Sunday Leaguers to shell another £80 or so in order to try and recreate a mental dipping Ronaldo free kick.

The Blue Man Group picked up the wrong shade

The history of the football is a tale worthy of a Hollywood movie, one of those My Fair Lady jobs where the star becomes refined, floaty and, in the case of the Simpsons, yellow. But is that better? In years, will people reminisce about the 2011 Premier League football, and how simple and elegant it was? At least the current video games allow us the choice to change the ball, and I doubt many will choose the current.

The encylopaedic Soccerballworld.com shows a history of footballs used during World Cups since 1970, and it screams 'classic'. Perhaps it is also a link to the wider screening of games on telly, when the ball became almost as symbolic as the kit. Plus, they just looked awesome, seeing Carlos Alberto finish off Italy in the 1970 final, that Adidas Telstar ball, white with black hexagonal patches, nestling beautifully in the bottom corner.

The 99p flyaway ball was a success

Of course the goals themselves are the key, or the thing of beauty on occasion. But does the ball make that much of a difference? Players (mostly goalkeepers) make a big song and dance about how the ball moves in the air, but do they wish for the days when the ball would be a big leather brick, absorbing water? Would Javier Hernandez be as proficient a header of the ball if he got a concussion every time he went for a header?

  

Ouch

These footballs were blamed for senility and dementia by former Celtic player Billy McPhail, and perhaps many more - but football has changed. Sure, some of the ideas are the same, but with all the football on TV, and the marketing exploits, people want to see quick, fleet footed players. Imagine the thigh strength required to put one of those old balls in the top corner from 30 yards!

So maybe it's a matter of personal taste, and we all have our memories... But my personal favourite is the Tango Espana... What's yours?

Back of the net