Blackburn Rovers 1878 – 1880 Retro Shirt

The Maltese Cross was retained after the plain white version in 1875. This would be the first time Rovers wore the half and half shirts and retained to present day.

This account of the club’s first colours is contradicted by an account found in the Blackburn Standard, January 6 1894, discovered by Kjell Hanssen, which states: The club was founded in December 1874 at the St Leger Hotel, in King William street as “The Rovers Football Club, Blackburn.” Mr Thomas Greenwood was elected captain, Walter Duckworth secretary, and Johnny Lewis treasurer. The dress decided upon at that time was navy blue and white quartered jersey, white knickers, and navy blue hose; it is the same yet (1894), but the blue is a lighter shade. Photographic evidence shows the team in navy/white in 1878 and the contemporary Charles Alcock’s Football Annuals confirm these colours were worn until 1881.

The shirt follows tradition of the era with a deep collar and buttons. The Maltese cross is embroidered to the left breast.

Small 36/38″

Medium 38/40″

Large 40/42″

XL 42/44″

2XL 44/46″

3XL 46/48″

4XL 48/50″

5XL 50/52″