Play-Offs 2017 | Kit Up for Wembley!

After a long season of battling away, the majority of teams in the United Kingdom know their fates. Titles have been won and league positions lost, but for six teams, it’s all still up in the air.

The EFL Championship, League One and League Two play-off finals will all be contested in the next two weeks and thousands of fans will flock to the capital from across the country in hope of seeing their side promoted. So as a guide for you, here’s our pick of the best kit for you to wear in your bid for promotion glory.

Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final (27/05/2017)

Reading v Huddersfield Town

Twelve months ago both Reading and Huddersfield Town finished in the bottom half of the table and were in no way obvious choices to go as far as they have this term. The Royals appointed legendary hard-man defender Jaap Stam as manager and under his guidance they have slipped under the radar to finish third in England’s second tier. The likes of Yann Kurmorgant, Jordan Obita, Chris Gunter and Lewis Grabban have sent Reading to Wembley beating former Premier League side Fulham 2-1 on aggregate.

Our selected Royals shirt is this home shirt (below, left)  from the 1991/92 season, where the Reading finished 12^th in the old Third Division. Although not a spectacular season, it is an absolute classic designed by Matchwinner. Complete with the old badge and unique pattern it stands out from the crowd as a truly vintage football shirt. Click here for more details.

As for the opposition, Huddersfield Town, under the guidance of feisty David Wagener have lifted themselves from mid table obscurity to a giant of the division.  Finishing 5^th they overcame Sheffield Wednesday in the semi-final over two legs and now with the likes of Welsh international goalkeeper Danny Ward, on loan from Liverpool as well as Nahki Wells, Harry Bunn and Elias Kachunga they will be looking to earn promotion to the Premier League for the first time since it’s re-branding in 1992.

Our selected shirt for following the Yorkshire side is this classic 1995/96 away shirt designed by Super League (below, right). The shirt is the definition of its time worn as the Terriers reached the FA Cup Quarter-Final. The yellow base and blue collar is stylish and comfortable.

Sky Bet League One Play-Off Final (20/05/2017)

Millwall v Bradford City

Fifth meets sixth tomorrow under the arch as the Lions and the Bantams jostle for a place in the Sky Bet Championship. Bradford City are looking for their second promotion in four seasons as they look the climb back up the table following successive relegations over the last decade. The former Premier League side under the guidance of club legend Stuart McCall are looking to cement themselves in the top two tiers where they feel the club belongs.

Bantams fans could be seen wearing our shirt pick (below, right), this 1999-2001 home shirt designed by asics that is the epitome of Bradford City. The traditional colours of claret and amber with buttoned collar saw City promoted to the Premier League and enter the top flight for the first time in 77 years, we’re sure many will be donning this particular shirt and hoping the omens will be good.

As for Millwall, following their victory over  Scunthorpe United who just missed out to Bolton Wanderers for an automatic promotion spot, they travel a short distance across London once again. This weekend will be the fifth visit to Wembley in just eight years for the Lions, the last coming in a League One Play-Off Final defeat in May 2015. Millwall lost out 3-1 to Barnsley. In 2013 they went on a superb FA Cup run reaching the Semi-Final where they lost to eventual winners Wigan Athletic, nine years previous they reached the Final in Cardiff losing to Manchester United. In 2010 they won promotion from League One in the play-off final having suffered defeat in it the previous year.

Our kit pick for the Lions comes from this traditional 1994/96 home shirt (below, left). The blue base and white sleeves are known worldwide as traditional Millwall colours whilst the 90’s definitive look designed by Asics is a classic and classy look. A buttoned collar and a crest that really stands out, this will is still the envy of all Millwall shirts on the terraces.

Sky Bet League Two Play-Off Final (28/05/2017)

Blackpool v Exeter City

Two well supported clubs in the EFL’s bottom tier, both sides will be looking to propel themselves into League One in the final play-off game. Blackpool are a club that have been highly documented in the last decade following their rise to the Premier League in 2010. Their one and only year in the top flight saw them relegated on the final day and since then they’ve been in rapid decline. With huge problems off the field with their owners and supporters, they’ve fallen down to League Two but in their first season in tier four reached the play-offs. After beating Luton Town they now have the chance to begin their journey back.

What better way to support your club at Wembley than with this 1991/93 away shirt (below, left). Designed by Gola this unique and rare shirt has a great look that defined the era. Alongside it’s vintage badge and smart design, this truly is a cut above the rest. Meanwhile in our clearance sale, Blackpool home shirts from the 2015/2016 season are just £7.99, click here to take a look.

Their opponents Exeter have a different recent history, having fallen into non-league football in 2003 where they remained for five years. In 2008 they were promoted via the play-offs beating Cambridge United and the next season finished runners-up in League Two. Sadly for the Grecians they were relegated in 2012 and have remained in League Two since. They have done very well this season and a rapid run of form has  seen them burst into the play-offs finishing 5^th.  They overcame Carlisle United in the play-offs and will be looking to follow up in the final.

Our pick for Exeter City is this vintage 1989-91 home shirt designed by Matchwinner. The traditional red and white stripes of the Grecians are on full display with a style synonymous with the late 1980’s. A rare original shirt worn during such a successful period that saw City unbeaten at home and win the fourth division, could you wear the same shirt and bring luck for another fourth tier success?