Retro Sunderland Shirt – Wearside's Six-Time Champions

Sunderland's origins date back to 1879, and within little more than a decade they had established themselves as the most formidable force in English football. Elected to the Football League in 1890, they won their first league title in the 1891-92 season and followed it with back-to-back championships in 1892-93 and 1893-94, earning the nickname 'The Team of All the Talents.' A fourth title arrived in 1895, cementing their status as the dominant club of the Victorian era.

The early twentieth century brought continued success, with a fifth league championship in 1902 and a sixth in 1913. Their first FA Cup triumph came in 1937, when they defeated Preston North End 3-1 at Wembley in a match remembered for Raich Carter's masterful display. That team, featuring Carter and Bobby Gurney, is regarded as one of the finest in the club's history.

The post-war years saw Sunderland's fortunes fluctuate, and in 1958 they suffered relegation from the First Division for the first time in their history – a moment of genuine shock for English football. The club spent years battling to return, and when they did, the story that followed became the stuff of legend. In 1973, as a Second Division side managed by Bob Stokoe, Sunderland produced one of the greatest FA Cup final upsets of all time, defeating the mighty Leeds United 1-0 at Wembley. Ian Porterfield's goal and Jimmy Montgomery's miraculous double save became immortalised in football folklore. The image of Stokoe sprinting across the Wembley turf in his raincoat to embrace Montgomery remains one of the sport's most iconic photographs.

The decades that followed brought painful relegations and hard-won promotions. Peter Reid's management in the late 1990s restored pride and Premier League status, with the move to the Stadium of Light in 1997 marking a new chapter. Kevin Phillips' 30-goal Premier League season in 1999-2000 – which earned him the European Golden Shoe – was a reminder of the club's capacity to produce moments of brilliance. The Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United has remained one of English football's fiercest rivalries, with matches at both Roker Park and the Stadium of Light producing unforgettable atmospheres and dramatic results.

Sunderland's history is adorned with players who became legends on Wearside. Raich Carter, the inside-forward who captained the 1937 FA Cup-winning side, is often regarded as the greatest player ever to wear the red and white stripes. His elegance and vision set the standard for generations. Charlie Buchan, who scored over 200 goals for the club between 1911 and 1925, was another iconic figure whose name is woven into the fabric of the club.

Jimmy Montgomery's heroics in the 1973 FA Cup final earned him eternal status among supporters, while Niall Quinn's arrival in 1996 gave the club a talismanic presence during their return to the top flight. Kevin Phillips formed a devastating partnership with Quinn, and his Golden Shoe-winning campaign remains one of the Premier League's most remarkable individual achievements.

Len Shackleton, the 'Clown Prince of Football,' dazzled Roker Park crowds with his audacious skill throughout the 1950s. Bobby Kerr captained the 1973 cup winners with unwavering determination, and managers like Bob Stokoe and Peter Reid shaped eras that defined the club's modern identity. More recently, Jordan Henderson emerged through Sunderland's academy before his move to Liverpool, a reminder that the club continues to develop top-level talent despite the challenges of recent decades.

The Sunderland retro shirt is instantly recognisable – bold red and white vertical stripes that have remained the club's identity since the 1880s. Early shirts featured thick stripes in heavy cotton, evolving through the decades into sleeker designs while always maintaining that distinctive pattern. The 1937 FA Cup final shirt, with its classic collar and baggy fit, is one of the most coveted pieces in English football memorabilia.

The 1970s kits worn during the famous cup run carry enormous sentimental value, particularly the simple red-and-white striped design paired with black shorts. The 1990s saw Avec and then Asics supply increasingly modern designs, while sponsors like Vaux Breweries and Reg Vardy became synonymous with the club's shirts of their respective eras. The retro Sunderland shirt from the 1999-2000 Phillips season remains hugely popular among collectors.

Away kits have varied from plain white to navy blue and even black designs, with the black-and-red away shirt from the early 2000s proving a particular favourite. Collectors prize match-worn examples from the 1973 cup run and the late 1990s Premier League campaigns above all others.