The Trademark ADMIRAL was created in 1914 by A.B.C. Hosiery Limited (later known as Cook & Hurst Limited) manufacturing good quality English made underwear and, subsequently, various items of sportswear.
During the 1970's, ADMIRAL were pioneers of a new concept producing bespoke soccer stripes for major football clubs, coupling innovative design and fabrics with the use of the Club's official crest or badge. Throughout the 1980's this innovation was driven forward by ADMIRAL and other manufacturers leading to availability at retail of design-led soccerwear and replica kits as a new sector was created within the sportswear market.
As ADMIRAL expanded, agreements were reached with many well known British soccer teams to wear ADMIRAL kits, such as England's National Team (1974 - 1984 including 1982 World Cup Finals), the Welsh National Team (1974 - 1979), Manchester United (1975 - 1980), Tottenham Hotspur (1977 - 1980), West Ham United (1976 - 1980) and (1987 - 1988), Norwich City (1976 - 1981), Southampton (1975 - 1979), Portsmouth (1987 - 1988), Leicester City (1975 - 1979 and 1983 - 1988), Bradford City ( 1985 - 1988). In addition, many International teams wore ADMIRAL including Eintracht Frankfurt, FC Servette, the Saudi Arabian National team and New York Cosmos. The ADMIRAL trademark achieved worldwide recognition and today the name still commands a respect and instant recall in international markets.
ADMIRAL entered the 1990's well placed to build upon its widespread awareness and long established reputation. Clubs supplied by ADMIRAL included English Champions Leeds United, Scottish Champions Glasgow Rangers, USSR Champions Dynamo Kiev, Sparta Rotterdam, Southampton, Middlesborough, Plymouth, Bradford, Grimsby, Italy Series B Champions Foggia, The Polish, San Marino and the North Korean National Teams, Wimbledon, Northern Ireland Champions Portadown, Charlton Athletic, Heart of Midlothian and Scottish Cup Winners Motherwell, Louletano of Portugal and Al Wadha of the U.A.E.
During the 1990's after a period of relatively inactivity, the trademarks were acquired in 1997 by branded sports and leisurewear specialists, Hay & Robertson plc, who are dedicated to re-establishing ADMIRAL as one of the World's leading soccer brands.
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In 2000 Admiral entered the world of cricket and became the Official kit supplier to the England Cricket Teams. By 2001 Admiral had also become the kit supplier to the West Indies and South Africa Cricket teams as well as supplying the Canadian Team for the 2002 Cricket World Cup held in South Africa.
Admiral is the Official Kit Supplier to the England Cricket teams, the West Indies Cricket team and continues the brand's tradition of supplying kit to major high profile football clubs with Leeds United AFC
Admiral Timeline
1914
England's ABC Hosiery Limited creates the Admiral trademark as part of their clothing business. The company - which is later known as Cook & Hurst Limited - starts out manufacturing underwear, before moving into sportswear.
1973
Admiral emerges as one of English football's trendiest kit manufacturers, pioneering the concept of bespoke strips for major clubs. FA Cup fi nalists Leeds United are among the fi rst to wear the brand's famous stripes.
1974
Admiral's appointment as offi cial kit suppliers to the English national team coincides with a dip in form for England: they fail to qualify for the 1974 or 1978 World Cups.
1976
Second Division Southampton - kitted out in bright yellow Admiral kit - pull off a major shock, beating Manchester United 1-0 in the FA Cup fi nal.
1977
As soccer takes off in the United States, Admiral sign up some of the top NASL teams, including the glamorous New York Cosmos. Superstars like Pele, Franz Beckenbauer and our own Jomo Sono ply their trade in Admiral's oh-so-70s shirts.
1980
Second Division side West Ham United repeat Southampton's '76 heroics, beating holders Arsenal 1-0 in the FA Cup fi nal. But the Admiral fashion fad is reaching its end, and several clubs end their deals with the company in the early '80s.
1982
England - still kitted out by Admiral - qualify for their fi rst World Cup since 1970. Despite going undefeated the team, including stars like Kevin Keegan, Glenn Hoddle and Bryan Robson, is knocked out in the second round.
1991
Admiral return to the limelight as Leeds United - wearing the company's retro logo - win the last English League Championship before the start of the Premier League era.
1997
As its popularity continues to wane, the Admiral brand is bought out by branded sportswear specialists Hay & Robertson.
2000
Admiral returns... but not to soccer. The brand signs up with the England and Wales Cricket Board, manufacturing kit for England's cricket team.
2001
South Africa are next, as Admiral is appointed the Proteas' kit manufacturer, starting with the summer tour to Australia.
2004
The ECB extends its deal with Admiral until 2010.
2005
England win a classic Ashes Test series against Australia, putting the Admiral logo back onto the nation's back pages.
2005-2007
Admiral is the Official Kit Supplier to the England Cricket teams, the West Indies Cricket team and continues the brand's tradition of supplying kit to major high profile football clubs with Leeds United AFC
