Aston Villa are set to unveil a special commemorative kit this Friday night, celebrating the club's 150th anniversary during their FA Cup clash against West Ham United at Villa Park. This unique strip has received special permission from the Football Association to be worn for the occasion, adding a significant layer of meaning to the match.
The design of the kit pays homage to the original uniforms worn by the club in its early years. Villa's team has meticulously explored the club's archives to ensure that the new kit closely reflects the styles from that era. A particularly noteworthy feature is the inclusion of the club’s crest, the Lion Rampant, which was first introduced by William McGregor, the founder of the Football League. In a commendable gesture of solidarity, the club's sponsors, Betano and Trade Nation, have opted to forgo their branding on the kit, further enhancing its authenticity and honouring the club’s storied heritage.
Chris Heck, Aston Villa's president of business operations, highlighted the significance of this kit, 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 upcoming match against West Ham marks the first meeting between the two sides since Villa's victory at the start of the season, with their next Premier League encounter scheduled for late January. Aston Villa have faced challenges in the FA Cup over the past decade, often struggling to progress beyond the fourth round. Their recent campaigns saw them eliminated by Chelsea in a replay last year and by Stevenage the season prior.
Manager Unai Emery has set his sights firmly on securing silverware this season, having established himself as a skilled tactician in knockout competitions, particularly in the UEFA Europa League. He expressed his determination to win a trophy, noting, "My first objective was to play in Europe. My second dream was to win a trophy and that's what I have now. We are looking forward to continuing to improve. We are now playing a lot of matches and we are working more hours because we have to prepare more. But I can feel comfortable and confident."
As reported by The Mirror, the forthcoming match against West Ham not only presents Aston Villa with an opportunity to advance in the FA Cup but also serves as a moment to honour their rich history and legacy as a prominent football club.