2002/03 KITS

2001/02

2002/03

2003/04

Nationwide Football League, 3rd Division
Manufacturer: York Leisure Main sponsor: Evening Press

Football kits are subjective things and their popularity among fans can strongly coloured by the successes enjoyed whilst wearing them rather than their sartorial merits. This kit however is unusual even in this regard. Had City romped to the title in 2002/03, it is still inconceivable that any fan could have justifiably argued the case that this kit was a triumph of design. It is fitting that it will forever be associated with a real low period in the club's history - the chairmanship of charlatan owner John Batchelor.
A white 'Y' dominates the main body of the shirt for the first time since 1977/78 but its clumsy proportions make it feel like a poorly-executed marketing ploy and a cynical attempt at generating popularity among the supporter base rather than a genuine tribute to past glories. The right sleeve features a unique chequered-flag pattern in reference to Batchelor's racing team in the British Touring Car Championship. And then there is that badge, bearing the club's re-branded name. The home kit was to be worn with red shorts and socks and is undoubtedly the ugliest and most universally despised of all York City kits. The all-yellow 2001/02 kit was to remain in service for a second season, although it too bore the now infamous insignia.

Club badge

As part of the extensive re-branding strategy a new club badge was commissioned and produced by Northcross. Apart from combining the chequered flag design with the iconic stylised lions, the badge incorporates the letters SC (Soccer Club) in a laughable attempt at breaking into the North American market by playing on tenuous links between 'original' York and New York.

Sponsorship

Evening Press sponsored the kits for the second and final season.
Kits were again manufactured in house under the name of York Leisure.

LEFT: The football club's badge can be seen on the roof of a Team B&Q Jet York City Racing car, with Persimmon Homes sponsorship also evident. Note the two City shirts worn by people in the background.