Brighton reveal their new “distorting tradition” kits for 2019-20
Brighton and Hove Albion and Nike have released their new “distorting tradition” home and away kits which the Seagulls will wear for the 2019-20 Premier League season.
And isn’t so much “distorting tradition” as “let’s release a carbon copy of our home shirt from two seasons ago and charge supporters £52 for it”.
The blue and white stripes with blue sleeves, blue shorts and white socks rounded off by a yellow Nike swoosh is almost identical to the shirt that the Albion wore in their debut season in the top flight.
The only difference appears to be that the stripes are a mixture of light blue and dark blue, which is presumably what the advertising slogan is referring to. It’s an interesting effect and one that some supporters will love and others will hate. The American Express sponsor once again appears to be “ironed on” which is going to get the goats of plenty of people.
Away from home, the Albion will wear all black for only the third time in the club’s history. The previous black away kit proved to be extremely successful when used in the 2016-17 promotion season, delivering such great moments as Glenn Murray’s 96th minute winner away at Birmingham City and Sébastien Pocognoli’s stunning free kick at Queens Park Rangers.
😍 The wait is over…
📲 Albion's 2019/20 kits now available from https://t.co/FAC4y0qmcm!#DistortingTradition #Nike#BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/OtyiT64W09
— Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) May 28, 2019
Before that, black was worn between 2002 and 2004 with the infamous Batman kit. A white Seagull was meant to have been depicted on the front between the club bade and the Skint logo, but depending on your viewpoint it looked like it was either pregnant or a giant bat.
This number looks to be better than those two efforts. The sleeves appear to be a very dark grey with a white tonal crest completing the look. It will be worn with black shorts and black socks with a grey trim. Last season’s green away kit will not become the third choice kit whilst the popular all yellow number is no more.
As for the goalkeeper kit, Maty Ryan and company will sport a delightful light green in 2019-20. The design is identical to the 2018-19 yellow and black kits with the same weird pattern in red on the sleeves. Presumably, it will be worn with green shorts and socks.
All new kits have been constructed using the latest Nike technology, featuring lightweight and durable materials for comfort and performance, and Nike Dri-Fit technology. Whatever the hell that all means.
Remarkably, the new kits are already available to order with the home shirt set to be in the club shop by the end of the week.
This is all a far cry from the normal cock ups, such as when the home kit wasn’t in stock between September and December and the Albion still expected people to fork out over £50 for a shirt that would be redundant five months later.
Again, the home kit will be worn for just one season as the club and Nike try to fleece fans for as much money as possible. Our advice – just dig out your 2017-18 shirts. Nobody will be able to tell the difference unless they study the stripes up close.
