In collaboration with Football Finery, a trusted source for 100% authentic vintage football shirts, we’re exploring the wonderful world of football shirt collecting through a series of interviews with collectors and enthusiasts from around the globe, starting with Woody.
A very warm welcome to Woody, a familiar and much-loved face in the fabulous Kit Community. If you haven’t seen his superb shirt snaps and playful reels showcasing his amazing collection, you can check out his Instagram here. We had a quick catch-up to find out a little more about his love for football shirts.
As always, a nice easy one to start with...... what football team do you support?
Simple! If you did not know already, That'll be Sheffield Wednesday.
What got you into collecting football shirts?
I always loved footy shirts as a kid, but I suppose Covid gave me an opportunity to really focus on collecting the shirts I loved but could never afford. Then the madness began! It's been non-stop ever since. I love it.
Alright Woody, confession time. What’s your number?
Hello! 077..., umm lately around 320/330 I'm trimming down!
Do you remember your first shirt?
Oh yes, I do. That would be my Sheffield Wednesday 93/94 black away shirt with "Woody" on the back. Good ol' mum!
What is your favourite shirt in your collection and why?
Same answer I'm afraid (Lol!) It's the Sheffield Wednesday 93/94 away shirt. That was my first shirt and is the greatest shirt ever made (Yes, I'm bias, I know). It's a big deal to me!
Is there a shirt you don’t have in your collection you’d love to own?
Loads, but if I had to pick one............ England Italia 90 shirt. Just glorious!
Your collection seems full of 90s classics. What is it about that decade’s shirts that keeps you hooked?
Football was great then! Passionate, easy to watch, end to end, some great managers, players, kits, moments, teams, etc I could go on!
Goalkeeper shirts are something many collectors don’t seem to focus on, but you’ve got some wild ones in your collection. Do you specifically hunt for keeper jerseys, and what do you like about them?
The intricate detailing and the uniqueness to the shirts, is something you don't really see much of now. Plus amazing elbow pads!
I don't specifically hunt for them but if I come across an iconic Premier League one....yoink!
A lot of collectors talk about “the one that got away.” Is there a shirt you missed out on and still regret?
Des Walker match worn, 1995/97 Home shirt. Lost out in the last ten seconds on eBay...
On your Insta feed there are a lot of Mitre balls, magazines, and other interesting football memorabilia. Do you collect these items too, or are they just part of the display? And what are some of your most cherished non-football shirt collectibles?
I collect all 90s football memorabilia, mainly associated with the Premier League and English divisions. It just brings back so many happy memories for me.
My most cherished are my Sheffield Wednesday shirts. The Chris Waddle match worn is my "mission complete" shirt. Anything else I acquire is a beautiful bonus.
Every shirt in a collection has a story, some of course with more memorable backstories than others. Which shirt in your collection came with the most remarkable story or the most unexpected find?
My Sheffield Wednesday match worn, was from a lovely chap in Germany, which was flown over to Scotland and subsequently sent to me in the post here, so it did some air miles before it landed with me! Also one of my SWFC goalkeeper tops 93/95 came from Ukraine and it a long yet worthwhile wait! I love how the community and collecting goes international.
If you had to curate a small exhibition of your top five shirts based on historical importance, which would you choose to display and why?
My shirts would be based on "my timeline" of what I remember and when. So prolific memories, which is why I collect.
My first shirt ever, the black and gold Sheffield Wednesday 93/94 away kids shirt, is very special, along with the adult size! So there's two
The Germany 94 World Cup shirt is the greatest World Cup shirt of all time and I remember watching Bulgaria beat them and being like "wow!".
Chris Waddle match worn, he's my footballing hero, so to be connected to him with this piece of history is incredibly special.
SWFC black n white 93/94 GK top. As I used to dream of owning it when I used to frantically flick through the merchandise catalogues as a kid.
As a co-host on “That 90s Premier League Podcast,” you’ve made nostalgia for 90s football part of your regular routine. I’ve seen that there are several episodes dedicated to football shirts from the 90s. Can we expect more football shirt related topics on the podcast?
Absabloominglootely! The reason me and Jonesy created this beast, is from our love of football shirts. Everything else just fits like a jigsaw.
What advice would you give to new collectors starting out in today’s football shirt scene, where nostalgia is booming but prices are rising?
Have fun and enjoy the hunt! Never pressurise yourself to have more than others or "buy for the sake of it". Work out why you're collecting and what your mission is. Mine was to fulfil 'young Woodys' ambitions of collecting kits he loved and drew in sketch pads as a kid.
Finally, what do football shirts mean to you?
Happy memories. Lots of em. Especially from my childhood. Also, the "where were you when?" Friends, moments of games, goals, happiness, disappointment, etc. Shirts are wrapped in nostalgia and history, I guess. I'm obsessed!
Be sure to follow Woody on Instagram, and follow "That 90s Premier League Podcast" on YouTube, Apple and Spotify and, of course visit Football Finery for 100% authentic vintage football shirts and football-inspired fashion, apparel & artwork.
