Aston Villa are set to commemorate a significant milestone this week as they prepare to take on West Ham United in the third round of the FA Cup. This encounter not only represents an intriguing all-Premier League clash but also serves as a platform for Villa to celebrate their 150th anniversary in style.
A standout feature of this match will be Villa's special commemorative kit, which carries profound historical significance. The team will wear an all-black strip adorned with a newly designed crest that pays tribute to the club's storied past. This design draws inspiration from the original uniforms worn by Aston Villa, incorporating elements from the club's first logo, introduced in 1878.
The kit is more than a mere homage to history; it also honours William McGregor, a key figure in football's evolution who played a crucial role as a Villa director and was instrumental in the establishment of the Football League. In a commendable gesture of solidarity, the club's sponsors have chosen to forgo their branding on the kit for this match. Aston Villa articulated their sentiments on their official website: "To mark the occasion, the players will wear a black kit, modelled on the first kits worn by the club before the transition to our famous claret and blue colours. In 1878, Aston Villa became the first team in the UK to put a crest on their playing kit, adopting the Scottish lion rampant. The motifs were sourced from Scotland by William McGregor himself and in honour of our Club's pioneering spirit, a crest inspired by the one that featured on those kits has been authentically redrawn from the earliest sources we have."
In addition to celebrating the club's rich heritage, the new shirts will feature adidas’ Aeroready technology, complete with the brand's iconic three stripes, all in black. Chris Heck, President of Aston Villa's Business Operations, expressed his appreciation for their partners, stating: "This unique anniversary kit was designed by Adidas with the inspiration to deliver authenticity which is coming from the great, William McGregor. We are so grateful to have partners that go above and beyond our partnership for the good of the fans, thank you Adidas and thank you Betano and Trade Nation."
The celebrations surrounding the 150th anniversary will extend beyond the kit itself, as the club has announced a range of matchday items priced at just £1.50. This initiative will include food, soft drinks, beer, and merchandise available in the club shop, alongside pre-match entertainment to mark the occasion. Shuttle buses to the stadium will also be offered at the same price, and a special matchday programme will be available for £1.50.
Fans seeking further information on Aston Villa's preparations for the FA Cup clash with West Ham can consult the club’s official channels. While attention will also be directed towards West Ham, who recently appointed Graham Potter following the departure of Julen Lopetegui, the new Villa kit is anticipated to be a focal point for viewers.
As reported by talkSPORT, the match will feature live coverage hosted by Hugh Woozencroft, with commentary provided by Jim Proudfoot and former Aston Villa captain Andy Townsend. Supporters can follow the action through the talkSPORT website, the talkSPORT app, DAB digital radio, smart speakers, and AM frequencies 1089 or 1053.