Christmas time is here, well for most of us it is, and it will be a time of over-indulgence, Boxing Day football, and the odd hangover. But in addition there is the softening blow of presents, and as we all know, it is as good to give as it is to receive.

What do you get the footie fan in your life? Something he or she needs, something they want, or something useless but well meaning? A visit to any teams online shop and there is a myriad of items. A coffee mug with “[insert team name]s Number One Supporter”, or a wallet with the club crest embossed in the faux leather. Perhaps a new calendar with photos of your players, or a hat, some gloves, golf balls, keyrings, toys, the list seems to be endless.

Well I for one know the way to a football fans heart, it has to be, a new football shirt, or maybe more to the point, a new “old” football shirt! And there is plenty to choose from, there are a number of companies out there specialising in “official” replica retro shirts, or you can look around for genuine “old football shirts”.

Let’s start with the real thing? You want to buy your loved one a real old football shirt? Well, you’re in luck, there is a thriving online market for the real thing, just take a look here. At the time of writing there are over 42,000 football shirts for sale on eBay, and many of them real pieces of history. I saw a 1992 Monaco home shirt, an Everton shirt from 1986, A Brazil shirt from 1978 and even a 1990 Boston United shirt. Surely something for everyone there, and a bargain to be had too.

For a more selective range, try the specialist online retailers who only sell genuine old football shirts. I know of three great companies, be sure to tell them oldfootballshirts.com sent you!

www.classicfootballshirts.co.uk or www.supremefootballshirts.co.uk
or for the ultimate gift, a matchworn shirt, try www.footballmatchshirts.co.uk

So what if you can’t find an old shirt in the right size, or the really old one you want is just too expensive, or maybe you don’t want a second hand shirt, well then, take a look at retro replica shirts.

Whether you are a fan of AC Milan or want a 1974 Zaire shirt, then the first place you need to visit is the sensational TOFFS website, they have hundreds of teams replica shirts. From Arsenal and Liverpool to Dundee and Dunfermline, or even Kaiser Chiefs and Peru, they really do have a superb selection of great quality shirts.

     

 

Next up, take a look at RE-TAKE, another great range of replicas, with some real classics, Eusebios Portugal shirt, Brazil from the 70s, Holland, France, Croatia, Ukraine, all real top quality replicas, and ideal Christmas presents.

    

 

Now how about COPA CLASSIC? These guys know a thing or two about how to recreate a classic shirt. Algeria from ’82, Russia or Norway from the 70s. A 1960s Botafogo shirt, or how about River Plate? There’s Finland, Australia, even the DDR from 1974. They also make some nice NASL shirts, Dallas Tornado, Minnesota Kicks, LA Aztecs (from before Beckham was even born!). I’m sure anyone you give these beauties to will be delighted.

 

I’m going to take you to Score Draw now. These shirts are more in line with the current shirts we all know and love, generally made in contemporary fabrics, just like the real thing, Villa, Manchester, United and City. Arsenal, Liverpool, Leeds and West Ham. Take a look, some real classics of the not so distant past, you’ll struggle to find a real Spurs ’81 cup final shirt, Score Draw have the next best thing.

    

 

Lastly on the retro shirts I’m going to introduce you to Adidas. Well, we all know they are one of the major manufacturers of current football kit, but they too have worked out the passion for the retro shirt, and have set up “Adidas Originals”. Here they have recreated some of their past masterpieces, 1990 AC Milan, 1989 Liverpool Candy shirt, Hamburg with the BP logo. Japan from 1985, or Bayern Munich from 1980. Classic designs, by the classic manufacturer.

    

 

I hope I’ve given you an insight into the world of football shirt collectors, and now you know exactly where to go for your Chirstmas shopping. I am always delighted to receive a shirt of my team, and I know I will be giving a couple of shirts to my nearest and dearest.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. Enjoy the football, be merry, and be fantastic to everyone you know!

from Oldfootballshirts.com