Description
An exceptionally rare and remarkable piece of Manchester City history – an original 1972/73 replica third shirt featuring the iconic blue sash design, accompanied by its original matchday scarf.
This is one of those truly special items that very rarely becomes available. Dating back over 50 years, this magnificent shirt and scarf combination offers a wonderful connection to Manchester City’s early 1970s history and a fascinating reminder of what it meant to be a Blue during that era.
The shirt features the famous blue sash design, one of the most distinctive and instantly recognisable change kits in the club’s history.
The 1972/73 season was particularly interesting from a kit perspective, with City wearing four different shirt designs during the campaign. The blue sash strip provided an alternative when traditional colours created potential clashes, including fixtures against clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United.
Although numerous retro reproductions and modern interpretations of this classic design have been produced over the years, this is an original period replica shirt purchased back in 1972 – not a modern remake.
A Remarkable History and Provenance
What makes this particular example so special is the wonderful story behind its original purchase.
Both the shirt and accompanying matchday scarf were originally purchased by a Manchester City supporter from Roy Clarke’s sports shop on Wilmslow Road, situated on the corner opposite the traffic lights.
Roy Clarke, himself a former Manchester City player, was a familiar name to generations of Blues, and his sports shop was part of the fabric of Manchester football life.
The shirt and scarf remained with their original owner for decades before being acquired directly from that same Manchester City supporter by Mark McCarthy for his personal collection.
This direct provenance is a particularly appealing feature, linking the items back to the supporter who originally purchased them during the 1972/73 season.
Outstanding Original Condition
Considering their age, the condition of these items is simply outstanding.
The shirt is a size Medium and retains its unmistakable original blue sash styling, while the accompanying period matchday scarf makes this an even more desirable and unusual combination.
Finding an original early-1970s Manchester City replica shirt is difficult enough, but discovering one accompanied by an original scarf, with such a clear history of ownership, is something very special indeed.
For serious Manchester City collectors, vintage football shirt enthusiasts or anyone with an appreciation for the club’s rich history, this is a magnificent opportunity to own a genuine piece of Maine Road nostalgia.
Original 1972/73 shirt. Iconic blue sash design. Original matchday scarf. Purchased from Roy Clarke’s sports shop in 1972. Acquired directly from the original owner.
A wonderful reminder of a bygone era when supporters bought their colours from local sports shops, wore them proudly on the terraces and created memories that would last a lifetime.
Please contact Mark for further information, additional photographs or to enquire about purchasing this exceptionally rare original Manchester City shirt and scarf combination.
