EFL club relaunch kit they dub ‘the worst of all time’

Coventry City have unveiled a brand new collection inspired by an old design dubbed the ‘Worst Kit of All Time’.

The new release depicts the Sky Blues’ kit worn between 1978 and 1981 which has lived long in the memory of fans for all the wrong reasons.

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Retro release

Rather than release the kit in the club’s famous sky blue colourway, Coventry have opted for a chocolate plum colour reminiscent of an old away shirt.

It also contains the infamous tramlines on each side of the shirt that reaches down to the base of the top.

The modernised shirt, which contains sky blue elements, is already available to purchase on the club’s website and can be acquired in store on Friday morning.

Launched 48 years ago by kitmaker Admiral, the shirt proved to be hugely divisive among fans.

But in an era when the demand for nostalgia is as great as it has ever been, the cult classic has made a spectacular comeback.

The new release has been two years in the making with Admiral revealing their intention to bring back the design in 2024.

The sportswear manufacturer said: “In 1978 we created the chocolate brown Coventry kit which is equally voted one of the best and worst kits of all time.

“In 2024, we’ve undertaken a mission to faithfully recreate this iconic kit in its original form, honouring its place in football history.”

Fast forward to 2026 and Coventry are on the precipice of writing a new chapter in the club’s storied history.

Frank Lampard’s side have established a five-point lead at the top of the Championship after losing top spot to Middlesbrough earlier this month.

A 3-1 victory over Boro’ two weeks ago brought to an end a run of three games without a victory.

And that has shifted momentum in their favour after further wins over West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United.

Step by step

The Sky Blues sit top of the table on 68 points with just 12 games to go and Lampard is tasked with keeping his side focused on the week-to-week job in hand rather than the bright lights of the Premier League.

“At this stage of the season, hard work is absolutely necessary but we’ve got to keep our feet on the ground and keep trying to deliver it,” Lampard said.

“Sometimes you have to not panic and stay calm and understand football is football.

“We had a really big period of almost a year of points gained. It was very normal that you have a difficult period and it fell for us at Christmas.

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“You’ve got to show a bit of character to get through it. The boys have really switched on and have deserved to turn this little corner.

“It’s so important we keep our feet on the ground. Everybody don’t get excited again because there’s so many points to play for.”

The Sky Blues’ quest to secure Premier League football for the first time since 2001, sees them face Stoke City next at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Saturday.