PHOTOS: Newcastle’s Most Iconic Kits Re-Imagined

There are a lot of words Newcastle United fans would use to describe the things they witness at St James’ Park, but it’s a safe bet that “beautiful” isn’t amongst them.

From Steven Taylor’s woeful defending to Steve McClaren’s ever-retreating hairline, Toon fans have sadly had to endure some absolutely horrific sights during their time supporting their club. Having said that, one thing has defied this sorry trend over the years, and that is the all-important kit design.

For all of its failures, Newcastle can rightfully claim to have produced some of the Premier League’s most iconic and gorgeous strips over the years. Indeed, the black and white stripes are almost impossible to get wrong, and brands like Asics, Adidas and Puma have fully capitalized on its aesthetic potential to create some truly stunning sportswear.

Every year, around this time, speculation and rumour begins to surface about potential kit designs for the following season.

Though it might seem mad to even be considering next season with so much to still play for in this campaign, over the past week or so Twitter has been abuzz with chat about potential kit designs for next season. Although it’s doesn’t directly effect what happens on the pitch – that said, our form over the past few years seems to have suspiciously plummeted since we signed a deal with Ashley-endorsed Puma – it’s always an interesting talking point.

This slick design in particular (see below), has got quite a few people talking:

Incredible #nufc kit design from @Dxmbele, complete (ambitiously) with both PL and Championship badges. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/KJSaJAZlWO

— The Spectator’s View (@thespectoview) April 15, 2016

As such, in tribute to the fine art of kit-making, we have teamed up with the talented Twitter user behind that design, @Dxmbele, in an effort to recreate some of Newcastle’s most famous kits over the years.

It was a surprisingly difficult exercise in choosing my all-time five favourite home and away strips. In the end, I looked for as much variation as possible, opting for one of each from the Blue Star, Newcastle Brown Ale, ntl:, Northern Rock and Greenall’s eras. 

The final product is excellent, to say the least… 

The Home Strips

[1983-1987   |   1997-1999   |   2001-2003   |  2011/2012   |  1987-1990]

And the Away kits…

[1997/98 |   1995/96   |  2004/05   |  1999/00   |   1990/91]

We’d love to hear what you think about these designs, and what your favourite kits over the years have been – let us known in the comment section below! Also, be sure to give the man himself @Dxmbele a follow!