Historical Football Kits

Irn Bru Scottish Third Division 2009 - 2010

The Third Division is the fourth tier of senior football and the lowest level of the Scottish Football League. There is no relegation from this division but if a team finishes bottom three times in a row, they lose their voting rights and, if there is no improvement over the next two seasons, they can then be voted out, a threshold so generous that it is hard to see it ever being tested. Many commentators have called for a pyramid structure to be created in Scotland that would allow teams in the lower leagues the opportunity to move up to the SFL. However, SFL rules mean that clubs that enter administration are demoted to this level (rather than suffering a ponts penalty as happens in England). Because of the huge financial gulf between the top tiers and the fourth, this sanction can mean liquidation for the sanctioned clubs. It is unclear what will happen when a Third Dvision club goes into administration.

Albion Rovers

Designer: Macron

Sponsor: Reigart

It is hard to fathom just why the management at The Wee Rovers have opted to drop their traditional primrose yellow and red colours in favour of red and black as their home colours. Judging by comments on the club's message board, their small but dedicated band of supporters are both mystified and annoyed that the distinctive colours of this little club have been changed. The away kit is similar to the anniversary strip worn in 2007-08.

(Ian Raffel)

Annan Athletic

Designer: Vandanel

Sponsor: M&S Engineering

Newcomers Annan kick off their second season in the SFL wearing the same strips as last season.

Berwick Rangers

Designer: Hummel

Sponsor: JB Site Investigations

Berwick have adopted Hummel strips this season in their traditional gold and black stripes. The solid black raglan sleeves are set off by the Danish company's signature chevron trim in black and white and we have learned this template is branded Still Authentic. The same template is used for the red and black away kit, which was chosen by supporters but the SFL refused to register it as it is too similar to the home outfit. Instead the club commissioned a white and red strip in Hummel's Europe template and will wear the red and black strip in up to four home and four away games as permitted by the SFL.

(Dennis McCleary)

East Stirlingshire

Designer: Hummel

Sponsor: East Stirlingshire Supporters' Association

Things are looking up for the 'Shire, once the whipping boys of the SFL, they reached the play-offs last season. Last season's kits are retained but with the name of the late Jimmy Wilson, the club's groundsman, embroidered below the club crest. Sponsorship is by various supporters' club branches in a welcome display of solidarity.

(Ian Raffel, Paul Marnie)

Elgin City

Designer: Hummel

Sponsor: Little the Jewellers

Elgin finished in last place in May and must improve this season if they are not to be reduced to associate member status. They are retaining last seasons home kit but are wearing red instead of white socks while the blue third kit from last season becomes their away strip. A local jeweller won the draw for shirt sponsorship.

(Balkeerie Mac)

Forfar Athletic

Designer: Bukta/Pendle

Sponsor: Orchard Timber Products Ltd

The Loons' new kit is a novel affair in two shades of blue that are distinctly different to their usual combination of pale- and slate-blue. In fact they recall the club's colours from the early 20th century, which is when they first wore hooped tops (although HFK believes they were black and mid-blue). The dark hoops do not extend to the back of the shirt. The result is a striking and original strip. The maroon and amber away kit is equally attractive.

Because of problems with their kit supplier, Forfar were given permission by the SFL to change their registered strip and the new Pendle version appeared for the first time on 17 October while the away kit was worn at Stranraer shortly afterwards.

(Balkeerie Mac, Donald Gellatly)

Livingston

Designer: Umbro

Sponsor: Fasteq

The future of Livingston was thrown into doubt over £330,000 rent arrears owed to West Lothian Council as well as complaints from players that wages were repeatedly late. At one stage generators were brought in after their electricity supply was cut off and it has been reported that a considerable sum is owed to HMRC in unpaid tax. To make matters worse, the ground was refused a safety certificate. The club's chairman, Angelo Massone consistently denied there was a problem despite mounting anger among supporters and creditors alike. On 2 July West Lothian Council started court proceedings and three weeks later the club went into administration. Just as the club was facing liquidation, the SFL agreed on 30 July to a takeover by former Dumbarton chairman Neil Rankine and ex-Cowdenbeath owner Gordon McDougall, who had previously tried to take over the club. The decision by the SFL to demote Livi to the Third Division, despite having previously stated the club would continue in the First Division led to unsuccessful appeals to the SFL and SFA. Last season's home kit was used until the club's future was secured and a new kit deal could be negotiated. The blue and white away kit was unveiled in November.

Andrew Cowan

Montrose

Designer: Nike

Sponsor: Monarch of the Glen Housing

There are no surprises with Montrose's selection of home and away kits, which are once again all-blue and all-white respectively. Secondary sponsorship by Merpro appears on the front of the shirts.

(Balkeerie Mac)

Queen's Park

Designer: Joma

Sponsor: Irn Bru

The Spiders turn out unchanged this season.

Stranraer

Designer: Stanno

Sponsor: Stena Line

Stranraer's new kit supplier is Stanno, an unfamiliar brand name originating in Italy. The new home kit has white raglan sleeves for the first time ever. An all-red strip is available for away games.

(Balkeerie Mac)