Recently added
My first football shirt: Jamie (Fans Favourite)
We caught up with Jamie, the founder of Fans Favourite (football shirt inspired scarves) to talk about the football shirt that meant the most to him and had him jumping on the sofa. Clue. It's red.
What was your first football shirt?
My first shirt was the Brighton & Hove Albion home shirt worn between 2002-2004. I was 10 years old when I started to take a real interest in football. I have the 2002 FIFA World Cup to thank for that. I still have a vivid memory from England’s group encounter with Argentina; jumping all over the living room couch as Beckham’s 44th minute penalty hit the back of the net. Let’s not talk about that Ronaldinho free kick that flew over Seaman’s head.
Gary Hart in action against Wolves at Withdean in February 2003. #ThanksErrea #BHAFC pic.twitter.com/6IEwodBue2
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) April 19, 2014
It was after the World Cup when my Dad took me to see my first game at local club Brighton, playing at the Withdean at the time. I remember we were 2-0 up at half time, looking comfortable. Neil Warnock brought on Carl Asaba in the second half, who destroyed us. Asaba scored a hattrick and we lost 4-2. My Dad bought me this shirt, and I’ve followed the Albion ever since.
What is your favourite football shirt?
This is a tough question, I have so many favourites. I do love the design of the Netherlands ’88 shirt, but who doesn’t?
I’m going to go for the England 2002-2004 change shirt. In terms of design, it’s probably not even in the top 10 England shirt’s, but it was being worn when Beckham scored that penalty against Argentina, and that was the first footballing moment that gave me pure joy.
It is a smart kit with a nice simple design. I particularly like the way the flag of St George was incorporated on the collar and sleeves.
Browse our collection of vintage England shirts here
What is your favourite football moment?
Monday 17th April 2017. Not only was it my birthday, it will also go down as one of the most special days in Brighton & Hove Albion’s history – promotion to the Premier League.
It was fitting that local lad, Solly March, scored the winner against Wigan that day, the goal that all but secured our promotion. Celebrations began as the final whistle was blown, but our promotion wasn’t mathematically guaranteed, unless Derby got a result at home against Huddersfield in the evening kick off.
Browse our collection of vintage Wigan Athletic shirts here.
Thousands of fans were watching the game on the TVs in the concourses as Derby struck a late equaliser through Jacob Butterfield. Premier League promotion was mathematically secured, and celebrations continued through the night. We should have really won the Championship that year, but the majority of the players probably celebrated a bit too hard… I don’t blame them.
Why did you set up Fans Favourite?
Like others, I became a bit bored with some of the official merchandise that football clubs sell, particularly the scarves. A plain scarf with a badge on it just doesn’t do it for me.
I began looking online for something more unique, and I couldn’t find anything. I decided to create my own scarf inspired by the 1983-85 Brighton shirt, and that’s when Fans’ Favourite was born. We really want our products to spark conversation among fans and take them on a trip down memory lane.
Pick-up your own Fans Favourite football shirt scarf in our store today!
