My First Football Shirt: Le Grove

Goalkeeper shirts don't get enough love for the quality then often produce, especially those from the 1990s vintage. So, when Le Grove spoke with us and revealed that their first Arsenal shirt was the 1990-03 Goalkeeper shirt, we were more than happy to indulge.

We spoke to Le Grove as part of our My First Football Shirt series, covering Arsenal goalkeeper shirts and Thierry Henry scoring wonder goals.

What was your first ever football shirt?

Goalkeeper's kit 1990-1992 pic.twitter.com/Bd0URB481W

— Throwback Arsenal (@ThrowbackAFC) May 22, 2016

Now, I’m not sure if this was my first ever  but it was certainly the first one I can recall. It was the 1990-92 Arsenal goalkeeper shirt. Made famous by David Seaman, and more so, Steve Harper. The shirt was not a snug fit,  it was about 2 sizes too big. This shirt sticks in the memory because it was also the first and only shirt I ruined climbing trees. The horror that the snags I had put in to my gift were irreparable, was a life lesson and a half.

What is your favourite ever football shirt?

The 2001/02 Arsenal away kit was basically used as the third kit in 2002/03: although this variant had the new club crest and a different sponsor pic.twitter.com/O9dA7bN6UV

— Chris Faers (@Faersy) April 1, 2020

My favourite ever football shirt has to be the Arsenal 2001-02 gold away shirt. Why? Two reasons. Uniqueness and success.  It was the first time I’d ever seen a gold shirt. There was something classy about it. Something that encapsulated my gold plated feeling towards the team. Secondly, one of my favourite moments in football was watching us beat United at Old Trafford in 2002 to win the league. We were wearing that shirt. I was there. Also wearing that shirt. Amazing.

What is your favourite ever goal?

ON THIS DAY: In 2000, Thierry Henry scored *that* flick, turn and volley against Man Utd in a 1-0 win at Highbury. pic.twitter.com/AsspIhb4p2

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 1, 2014

For sheer wow factor, it has to be Thierry Henry’s wonder goal against Manchester United way back when. He took the ball into feet from a simple Bobby Pires pass, flicked it up for himself, turned and fired his shot right over the head of Barthez. Spectacular in every sense. An amazing player and I was there to enjoy that incredible moment in Arsenal history. 

Read more from Le Grove here and if you are looking for a vintage Arsenal shirt check out our marketplace.

If you want to read more about the football memories of players, writers, and more you can buy the full Your First Football Shirt book. Discover Alan Shearer's first ever football shirt, Carl Anka's most cherished shirt and more. All proceeds go to the charities CALM and Willow.