Back to the 70’s – new home kit
7July 5, 2013 by Shane Ireland
Birmingham City today released their brand new home kit ahead of the 2013/14 season. The kit, sponsored by Nicolites, is inspired by the 1970’s ‘penguin’ strip worn by club legends Trevor Francis and Bob Latchford.
Abiding by regulations concerning advertising on football shirts, the ‘Nicolites Electronic Cigarettes’ lettering will be replaced by the logo of local charity Help Harry Help Others on all children’s kits.
2013/14 home shirt
Blues’ new design is already dividing opinion amongst Bluenoses, with some fans labelling it as a ‘Marmite’ strip – you either love it or you hate it. The retro design is certainly a hit with myself but other supporters feel the club need to move on from the ‘penguin’ kit of 40 years ago. However, club staff have reinforced the ‘tradition’ within the style, remarking that it is a piece of Birmingham City history.
However, it’s not just the strip itself that’s causing debate. A number of Birmingham fans have voiced their discontent regarding electronic cigarettes company Nicolites becoming the new sponsor, citing it as an unethical company to have displayed on football shirts. Although, the club’s decision to have a charity sponsor on kid’s strips is a unanimously popular decision. Help Harry Help Others, formed by Harry Moseley is Blues’ official charity partner and a celebrity charity match was recently held at St Andrew’s which raised over £100,000 for the charity which funds research of cancer.
Meanwhile, the away kit will be released later this month and the rumours are already doing the rounds concerning it. According to some on Twitter, it will also be a ‘penguin’ style strip but in black and yellow.
What’s your favourite ever Blues kit?
http://www.historicalkits.co.uk/Birmingham_City/Birmingham_City.htm
Made In Brum 
supporters feel the club need to move on from the ‘penguin’ kit of 40 years ago! Get a life!
sad bastards! What would fans give to roll the clock back 40 years! I’m sure my comments will divide oipinion! Marmite comments! Yawn!
Personally I’m a fan of the penguin kit, but others aren’t. Agree with what you’re saying mate.
I love it – find it hard to dislike the penguin – watched my first game looking at the penguin strip, always a winner for me – be nice to see who will play the parts of Francis,Latchford,Hatton and Burns hopefully on the pitch as well as in my head. KRO
my first top was the penguin with the umbro badge but this one I think is ok but why have the kit makers name on the front ?
Are the people who are moaning about this kit the ones who aren’t going to be attending matches this season. I think its probably the only thing they have got right in the last few years. I also must commend the club for offering a £5 discount to season ticket holders. As for the sponsorship issue omg are people for real, its funds for the club and is a healthier substitute to normal fags.
At last, some good news! Last couple of seasons the strip looked dull and insipid. This is dynamic and will impose itself on any opposing team. Now all we need is an intimidating ground atmosphere, new board, etc., etc.,
One of my favourites was the black and red striped away shirt we had years back – was in our third division promotion season?
Was quite similar to AC Milan – nice shirt