Following their launch yesterday, our 2023/24 kits have been gaining huge attention, with football fans across the globe eager to discover the inspiration behind our new home shirt’s yellow & white stripes.
United supporters of a certain age will have already acknowledged however, that whilst The Gulls latest first strip is certainly ground-breaking in its design, a return to stripes next season also acts as a timely nod to memorable moments in TUAFC’s past.
It was on 31st May 1991 that this iconic combo got its first viewing on the national stage, as a Torquay team bedecked in yellow and white headed to Wembley Stadium to take on Blackpool in the 1990/91 Fourth Division Play-Off final.
A thrilling 2-2 draw ensued, and with regular play unable to separate the two sides, it was left to penalty kicks to decide which team would win promotion to English football’s third tier. As anyone who was there won’t need reminding, it was ultimately United that ran out 5-4 winners from the spot, as Goalkeeper Gareth Howells slotted home his kick, before watching on as ‘Pool striker Dave Bamber sent his effort wide of the upright.
The celebratory scenes that took place on the pitch thereafter only served to add to the kit’s popularity, and it was therefore no surprise that when the Club reached its centenary year eight years later, they celebrated by returning to a revamped version of the kit once more.
The Yellow Army clearly couldn’t get enough of this most unique of colourways, as after the Club held an online vote to determine its choice of home kit ahead of the 2013/14 campaign, the yellow & white stripes ran out a clear winner, with United’s current Assistant Manager, Aaron Downes, just one of the players to don that particular rendition of the famous shirt.
This summer, under the guidance of the Club’s official kit partners Pro:Direct, and in conjunction with sportswear giants PUMA, Gary Johnson’s men will be now be taking to the field that is not only truly a one-off, but one that has Torquay United AFC written – quite literally – all over it!
To view all and order of United’s 2023/24 replica kit range, click HERE.
Pre-Orders for all of United’s new home & away replica kit are now available, with orders due to be dispatched at the end of July.
Don’t forget, 2023/24 Season Tickets can also benefit from a 10% discount, as part of this season’s enhanced Season Ticket holder benefits package!