kits 11/12

[PhilDunphy]

West Ham Home/Away 2011/12

[Ubietz]

The Germany home and away kit is great.

[bapa]

Leeds united away!
One of the best Macron kits I've seen

[PhilDunphy]

Chelsea 3rd Strip 2011/12

Chelsea's white and yellow third kit 'looks like Russian Imperial flag'

Has Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich exercised some creative input into the team's new third kit? Some Blues messageboard users think he might have, after several pointed out its similarity to the Russian Imperial flag.

The latest addition to the Chelsea range was unveiled on Thursday, with officials calling it a 'sleek and stylish' outfit.

But the mainly white shirt has caused quite a stir amongst fans, who say it looks too much like crosstown rivals Tottenham.

With a navy blue trim and golden yellow band across the chest, the Adidas design will definitely make Andre Villas-Boas' men stand out from the crowd.
Chelsea third kit Frank Lampard Imperial: Does the Chelsea third kit resemble an old Russian flag?

But the main question concerns the flag, which is a relic from a bygone era of Russian history.

The imperial symbol is still flown over the Summer Palace in St Petersburg every now and then and represents the 1858-1883 Russian Empire.

Unfortunately, it is has also been 'reclaimed' by some right-wing political groups in much the same way as the EDL's use of the St George's Cross.

Chelsea have said the shirt - Russian influence or not - will be made available for pre-order prior to its official launch on August 25th.

As well as a possible symbol of national identity (ahem...) the top also features Adidas technology designed to improve speed, endurance and awareness (though we're not quite sure how).

More pertinently though, fans wanting to wear this should probably work on their Russian accent - just in case they have to give a history lesson.

looks pretty good

[ontheblackburner]

Blackburn Home/Away with new "sponsor" - Rovers have done what Barca did a few years back and donated their front of shirt space to a charity