Cambridge United Shirt History
Cambridge United kits have managed to gain some positive traction on social media in recent seasons, but just how have the U’s fared historically? Let’s take a look into their kit manufacturing and sponsorship history…
Cambridge United Kit History Checklist
Cambridge United Kit Manufacturing History
2023 – present – Umbro
The 2023/24 campaign saw the U’s wear a white away top for the first time since 2016/17 and the 90’s inspired jersey captured plenty of attention with its striking black and amber geometric patterning. The shirt, which also had a sublimated diamond base, was accompanied by an equally as admired amber and black home top which paraded its own geometric printing through its zigzag-like stripes on its sleeves.
The success of the first year continued into the second, as Umbro produced a home jersey that was described as a ‘gentle nod’ to the clubs 1989/90 League Two Play-Off Final victory. The alternate strips are also deemed a success, albeit some people online do liken the blue and white away top to a Wetherspoons plate – the patterning has a story behind it, however, as it is initially inspired by the plethora of water lilies along Cambridge’s River Cam. The third top was green and it included tonal patterning based on Parkers Piece, another iconic Cambridge landmark, where the rules of football were created.
2019 – 2023 – Hummel
The 2020/21 Hummel collection has found its place in the Cambridge United history books given that promotion to League One was achieved while it was active. It was the first time that the U’s had managed this since 2002, however, somewhat strangely, it was almost like it was meant to be for a number of reasons…
One of those reasons is because that season celebrated the 50th anniversary since the club participated in a Football League campaign for the first time – an all-white anniversary strip was released in commemoration – the choice of white stems from the fact it was the colour adopted by the club in that first year. The second reason is because the U’s donned a blue and navy away strip which followed a halved concept throughout 2020/21 and this was inspired by the 1998/99 away top – a year where Cambridge also achieved promotion from League Two.
The 2020/21 away kit isn’t the only 90’s inspired alternate strip provided by Hummel, as the 2019/20 and 2022/23 away tops are also based on iconic looks from that era. The 2019/20 version was a huge hit given it is based on a fan favourite. Although, despite the nostalgia in these versions, the 2021/22 away look is also deserving of recognition as the black strip brilliantly paraded a tonal pattern and diaganol amber pinstripes.
Cambridge enjoyed a pleasant period of home designs while working with Hummel, with the 2021/22 version standing out much more than the rest. This look is again based on the 90’s, with the intriguing pattern combining both vertical and horizontal stripes of different sizes.
2013 – 2019 – Puma
The social media popularity of Cambridge shirts begun to grow once Hummel were in place, but Puma do still have their own acknowledgeable jerseys. Some of which signify important points across the club’s history, with perhaps none doing that more so than the first Puma collection given that the U’s wore it to end their nine-year Football League absence. They also lifted the FA Trophy in that campaign.
Puma explored a couple of techniques to keep the amber and black Cambridge United home jersey interesting. Unorthodox stripe features came in 2017/18 and 2018/19, while classy pinstripes were paraded in 2016/17. Although, the halved concept utilised throughout 2015/16, which also included a stripe feature of sorts, was the boldest move.
It is believed that fans didn’t appreciate the illuminous yellow on show across the alternate designs used throughout 2017/18, however, they were huge supporters of the away look used in the following year. The 2018/19 strip paid homage to the city’s Magdalene Bridge through a dotted pattern on its chest. Despite its success, it is still closely rivalled by the 2015/16 away look for the title of ‘most impressive’.
The 2014/15 collection is famous for the U’s’ memorable FA Cup meetings with Manchester United, which resulted in a 3rd round replay at Old Trafford.
2012 – 2013 – Burrda
The club celebrated their centenary year within this campaign, so it is perhaps no coincidence that Burrda opted for a white away top given the historic links to the colour.
Both of the jerseys followed a super minimal concept, although the home look did boast a special centenary edition club crest.
2010 – 2012 – Errea
The Errea period didn’t provide too much to shout about, with the same uninspiring home top being used for both campaigns.
Errea opted to change the away top in the second year, albeit it was perhaps for the worst, with the navy and blue stripes being ditched for a plainer look.
2007 – 2010 – Vandanal
The home top used within the first two seasons of this partnership boasted a pleasant vertical stripe look. A striking sash concept replaced it for the 2009/10 campaign.
Noticeably, the 2009/10 third shirt followed the same design concept as the 2007/08 away strip – they each saw there left sleeve a different colour to its base colour and a strange triangular stripe feature stemming from its right side. The 2009/10 version was particularly odd with it combining white and green.
2003 – 2007 – Sporta
Sporta provided two collections with them both active for two seasons. The first set saw pleasantries in terms of design, but Cambridge supporters may not be overly fond of them due to the club’s League Two relegation in 2004/05.
The home top for the final two seasons was a slight improvement on the first, with black coming to the forefront more prominently.
2001 – 2003 – TFG Sports
The same TFG Sports home top saw both seasons and, although it was a relatively simple design, it was well-appreciated. Its classy crossover V-neck neckline was a big factor in this.
TFG Sports’ away top continued as the Sporta third strip for 2003/04.
1999 – 2001 – Super League
Two minimal jerseys came in Super League’s period of manufacturing. The home top was particularly classy.
1996 – 1999 – Patrick
The home and away top used in Patrick’s first two seasons definitely split opinion. The home shirt boasted a quartered black and amber look, while the white away jersey paraded an odd spaced out black horizontal stripe feature.
As already alluded to within this article, the 1998/99 collection is well-remembered due to the clubs promotion winning efforts while wearing it. The navy and blue halved look is fantastic.
1993 – 1996 – Vandanel
Vandanel provided an all-time Cambridge United classic via the 1993/94 away jersey – it superbly, and uniquely, combined white, blue and black. The white away strip released in 1994/95 also had its striking features, with a Vandanel inspired tonal imprint and a remarkable neckline which incorporated the club crest as its centrepiece – the 1995/96 home top also followed this concept in amber and black.
The first home top which Vandanel provided is another iconic look, as is proved by the fact it is the inspiration behind the Hummel’s 2020/21 home strip.
1991 – 1993 – Influence
Influence held the same home and away looks in both campaigns and they each paraded the same zigzag-like tonal pattern. Light blue and black combined on the away strip.
The tonal look’s from this era is believed to be the inspiration behind some other brands’ choices…
1988 – 1991 – Scoreline
Two remarkable FA Cup runs in 1989/90 and 1990/91 added some history to these jerseys. Cambridge were knocked out in the quarter-finals in both campaigns by Arsenal and Crystal Palace, respectively.
The jerseys worn were smart, but minimal. Subtle tonal striping was on show between 1988 and 1990, but tonal chequers replaced them in 1990/91.
1986 – 1988 – Nike
The same jerseys were in place for both Nike campaigns, but, unfortunately, they weren’t anything special – the main feature was the fact that they both boasted thick side panelling which ran to the shoulders. Although, the shade of blue on the away top is particularly nice.
1985 – 1986 – Umbro
Umbro utilised the same away top as their predecessors. Vertical amber and black striping was used at home.
1983 – 1985 – Mileta
Vertical tonal striping was present on both of the Mileta provided jerseys.
1977 – 1983 – Umbro
Following two-seasons of amber and black vertical stripes, a minimal home strip, which saw the Umbro logo flow consecutively down the sleeve, was used for the remainder of this partnership.
The away top boasted the same sleeve feature quite brilliantly, given it was printed in amber and black but had a white base.
1975 – 1977 – Admiral
Thick amber and black vertical stripes was the main aspect of Admiral’s home jersey.
1974 – 1975 – In-House
The in-house season from 1974/75 boasted a centralised club crest.
1972 – 1974 – Umbro
Back in the 70’s, Umbro were the first brand to manufacture for the U’s.
Cambridge United Shirt Sponsorship History
Let’s find out which brands have featured in the Cambridge United front of shirt sponsorship slot…
2023 – present – Brewboard
Brewboard is a brewery based in Cambridge and they have ensured this is known within their feature. Their choice of branding isn’t unattractive, but some may say it is a tad overpowering.
The brewery, who has been known to donate the slot to the Cambridge United Foundation, is attempting to create a brand-new Cambridge inspired lager for fans to drink on a match day.
2015 – 2023 – Mick George
Mick George is a leading waste-management service to the construction industry in East Anglia and the East Midlands.
The firm boasted three different features, with one parading their logo and another their URL. The final one was simply text-based.
2013 – 2015 – Mick George / ERMS UK Ltd
Before sponsoring all of the jerseys, Mick George only sponsored the home top for two seasons, meaning that they held the slot in some regard for a remarkable 10 campaigns.
Away kit sponsors, ERMS UK Ltd, import fruit and veg.
2009 – 2012 – Greene King IPA / Kershaw
Pub retailer and brewery, Greene King, promoted their IPA Ale on the home top. Unfortunately, the greenness of the branding wasn’t that complimentary.
Kershaw, a mechanical service, took the away strip – as they did for several seasons prior to this.
2008 – 2009 – Global Self Drive / Kershaw
Global Self Drive, which is a vehicle rental company, appeared on the home jersey for 2008/09. Kershaw sponsored the away strip.
2007 – 2008 – Haart / Kershaw
Joining Kershaw in 2007/08 was Haart, a Cambridge-based estate and lettings agent.
2005 – 2007 – The Global Group / Kershaw
The Global Group sponsored the home top for two-seasons. Kershaw held the away kit.
2003 – 2005 – Capital Sports / Kershaw
Home kit sponsors, Capital Sports, incorporated minimalistic branding. Kershaw sponsored the away top.
2001 – 2003 – Quicksilver / Kershaw
The 2001/02 campaign is where it all begun for Kershaw’s lengthy stint on the away top and their branding changed minimally within this whole timeframe.
Quicksilver Messenger Service first joined them as home kit sponsors.
1998 – 2001 – C&R Windows / Philips Lighting
C&R Windows is believed to be a window installation firm and they held pleasant branding in all but their first campaign on the home top.
Lighting brand, Philips Lighting, appeared on the away kit.
1995 – 1998 – Premier
Travel company, Premier, has continued their relationship with the club in recent seasons. For example, Premier sponsored the clubs hospitality suite in 2019.
1993 – 1995 – Beaumont Stainless Steels
Beaumont Stainless Steels held text-based branding on a white background.
1991 – 1993 – Fujitsu
Recognisable Japanese electronics company, Fujitsu, took the slot for two-years.
1988 – 1991 – Howlett
Howlett held a simple all-text feature.
1986 – 1988 – Lynfox
With a red text-based feature, Lynfox were the first brand to take the Cambridge United front of shirt sponsorship slot.
Conclusion
Under Hummel and now Umbro, Cambridge United have recently enjoyed some brilliant designs, however, many of these jerseys are inspired by the 90’s which says a lot about that particular U’s era – it is well worth checking out.