Kit speculation season is upon us, and for Celtic supporters, there might not be much suspense for what Adidas do with the Hoops.
After all, you’d have thought you can’t really mess up the Hoops, can you? But over recent seasons, we’ve seen the Hoops broken up, dashes of gold, different neck lines, collars and all sorts. Since Adidas took over from New Balance for the 20-21 season, the German manufacturer has delighted fans with an array of aesthetically pleasing gear.
And, since it’s March and there’s an international break, certain kit traditions must be followed. Yep, it’s leak time, and Adidas efforts from the Premier League have been revealed.
First there’s this one; Arsenal’s 22-23 kit with a dynamic collar and a simple, traditional design [FootyHeadlines]. It calls to mind the JVC-sponsored shirts of the late 90s. Think Dennis Bergkamp, scoring a hat-trick.
Then, Manchester United’s. Similar to Arsenal, there’s a simplicity to it, with a strong white collar against a red and black body [FootyHeadlines]. You want something from outside England? Try Real Madrid’s 22-23 home kit, also sporting a buttoned collar. It has distinct purple stripes against the traditional white [FootyHeadlines].
But what does it all mean? Why are you telling me this, I hear you ask.
Well, since Celtic also have kits made by Adidas, it’s reasonable to expect something similar. A buttoned collar, likely white, with either black or green stripes and, of course, the famous Hoops. Judging by the leaks we’re seeing thus far, buttoned collars are back.
Some special requests for the next Adidas Celtic kit
If they are going to add a collar, it’s not exactly a bad move. Some of the best Celtic shirts over the last 30 years have buttoned collars, and still look a belter today.
The 97-98 kit, for example, was a perfect example. The bumble-bee away kit was much the same – a classic of the genre that’s still very much loved today.
New Balance tried a buttoned collar the other year, for the 19-20 season. It wasn’t half bad, but a white collar and starting the Hoops further up would be an improvement.
We have some requests, though. Yours truly has already made an impassioned plea to bring back the bumble-bee kit. Failing that, nostalgic footage of the 2001 League Cup Final has me yearning for a simple yellow away kit [Celtic FC].
Nice as our green away kits have been over the last two seasons, they don’t provide their most basic function; making sure there’s not a kit clash. The third kit was a good idea, but again; it doesn’t often answer colour clashing. How many times have you seen it since launch? A handful at best.
At this point, we trust Adidas when it comes to Celtic jerseys. The button collar is always a risk though; get it right, it looks classy. Get it wrong, and it can look grim.
And for goodness’ sake, please; some yellow in the away kit for 22-23 please, Adidas. You know it’s the right call.
Read more: Ange Postecoglou details plans for his Celtic players over international break
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