Champions League - New Football Kits in 2009

The last football season has finished and another one is not due again for a few more months. This is the time of year when clubs buy and sell players, and when new football kits are introduced. The importance of selling a new updated kit is vital for the survival of many clubs and designers have their work cut out to produce kits which football fans will buy, especially in the extremely difficult financial situation which much of the world finds itself in.

As with any launch, much is made of the new kit which can often tie in with new club sponsors - so it is vital that the launch of a new kit is done as professionally as possible. The latest range of kits to come on the market from the major European clubs tend to hark back to an earlier era, with the England football kit firmly based on a 1950s design, and several of the clubs have followed suit and gone 'retro' - no doubt having been inspired by the England kit. Even Barcelona have reverted back to their traditional stripes. Manchester United have been inspired by the early part of their existence, and their new kit sports a large 'V' across the front of the shirt which harks back to the early part of the twentieth century. Meanwhile, Ajax has left the design of their shirt essentially the same as previous years. Many teams in Britain seem to have included the new V design across the chest in their new strips, with logos prominently positioned in the centre of the chest.

Some of Europe's best known clubs have lost sponsors as a result of the economic crisis, and this may have a knock on effect on the appearance of some football shirts. Teams are still supplying a range of first and second kits, and in some cases third kits. It could be a tough year for clubs, but they will hope that success on the field is mirrored by success in the shops.