Going back in time

It was back in August, in Belfast after the game against Glentoran, when I took the opportunity to ask chairman Barry Kilby of the possibility of having kits for the 2009/10 season reflecting that Championship win of fifty years earlier.

He didn't say yes to it but he gave the distinct impression that he was in favour and said that he would have no problem should Clarets Mad launch any sort of campaign to support it. This we duly did and it received very favourable comments.

There were discussions and then in December the chairman confirmed that we were doing it and that the kits had been ordered. Now it was a matter of wait and see what they would look like.

Early this year came a hiccup when the black shorts would be replaced with claret shorts, but that was sorted out and just two days ago the shirts appeared in the club shop in front of a superb backdrop showing the old Cricket Field End and Longside.

I can only say I'm delighted with the outcome. I know they would have looked even better without a sponsor but we can't expect the club to forgo that, certainly not in the current financial climate. They are as good as, no better, than I ever expected.

The home kit will be available this month and judging by the early comments both that, and the away kit, are expected to be big sellers. We'll let you know just as soon as we know when they are going on sale.

But now the photographs have been released, what do you think? Please EMAIL us your comments and we'll publish them later this week. Meanwhile just take a look at the photographs of our new kit.