Wigan Athletic retro shirts: Latics stripes – page 6
Wigan is a rugby league town, which makes the football club’s rise all the more unlikely. From non-league to the Premier League and an FA Cup win at Wembley, the Latics have done it in blue and white. Here are their shirts, from home stripes to away kits and training gear.
From Springfield Park to Wembley
Wigan Athletic were only elected to the Football League in 1978. Within thirty years they had swapped Springfield Park for a new stadium and climbed into the Premier League, where they stayed for eight seasons from 2005. The best day came in May 2013, when Ben Watson’s late header beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final. The club were relegated a few days later, which sums up the Wigan story.
Stripes through the years
The list stretches from a few 90s shirts to the current season, but most of it comes from the last fifteen years. Puma has made the kit for long spells, and its shirts are the biggest group by far. Kappa shirts from the mid-2010s and the club’s own Mi-Fit brand from 2011-13 add variety. Cup shirts and a recent match issue FA Cup away shirt are there for those who collect the big days.
Bullard and the Premier League years
Jimmy Bullard’s 2005-06 shirts recall Wigan’s first season in the top flight, when they also reached the League Cup final. Printed shirts are otherwise spread across many names, from long-serving defenders to recent academy players.
Training and leisure wear
Training tops, polos and jackets make up a large share of the stock. Sizes and condition are listed with every item.