Historical Football Kits

 

Cheltenham Town

Formed 1892

Promoted to Nationwide Division Three 1999

Kit History

1907-1908 a

1908-1937

late-1930s a

1940s-1950s g

circa 1957 g

circa 1965 g

1973-1974 g

1981-1982 e

1987-1988 a c d

1988-1989 d

1991-1992 e

Errea

circa 1995 d

1997-1999 b c

1999-2000 b

2000-2002 b

Errea

2002-2004 b

Errea

2004-2006 a b f

Errea

2006-2008 a

 

Background

Cheltenham’s first colours were deep red, earning them the nickname of “The Rubies.” They played in local leagues until 1932 when the decision was taken to turn professional and join the Birmingham Combination. Three years later they joined the Southern League, where they remained for the next 50 years.

Success did not arrive until the mid-1950s when the Robins (as they were now called) achieved six consecutive placings in the top six and won the Southern League Cup in 1958. In 1969 they dropped into the second tier of the Southern League and although they returned to the Premier Division in 1977, they narrowly failed to qualify for the Alliance Premier League, which was formed in 1979 and was the forerunner of the Conference.

After a further period of mediocrity, Cheltenham won the Southern League championship in 1985 to earn promotion to the Football Conference. After seven years at the top level of non-League competition, Cheltenham were relegated back to the Southern League but they returned in 1997. Two years later Cheltenham sealed the Conference title with a dramatic 3-2 win against Yeovil and with it a place in the Football League.

After two very creditable finishes, the Robins reached the play-off final in 2002 where they beat Rushden & Diamonds for a place in Nationwide Division Two. Life at this higher level proved too challenging, however, and the club were relegated at the end of their first season.

If you have information about Cheltenham's kits in the 108 years before they joined the Football League please get in touch: Contact Me

Sources