Aston Villa 1996/97 Away Shirt

Description

Away shirt worn by Aston Villa F.C. during the 1996–97 season, a strong and competitive campaign under manager Brian Little that saw the club consolidate itself as a consistent Premier League top-half side and secure European qualification.

The shirt features a clean white base, finished with a maroon collar and cuffs detailed with light blue and white stripes. A light blue neckline completes the design, creating a sharp and elegant away look that reflected Aston Villa’s identity during the mid-1990s Premier League era.

The 1996–97 season saw Villa finish 5th in the FA Premier League with 61 points, continuing their upward trajectory following League Cup success the previous year. The side were defensively well organised throughout the campaign, conceding just 34 goals in 38 league matches, and remained in the hunt for European places for much of the season before ultimately securing UEFA Cup qualification via the UEFA Fair Play ranking.

Despite their league strength, Villa endured frustration in cup competitions. They exited the FA Cup in the Fourth Round after a 3–1 defeat to Derby County F.C., while the League Cup run ended with a narrow 1–0 loss to Wimbledon. In Europe, Villa were eliminated in the first round of the UEFA Cup on away goals by Swedish side Helsingborg after a 1–1 aggregate draw.

The squad was built around a strong and experienced core. Striker Dwight Yorke led the attack with 20 goals in all competitions, including 17 in the league, establishing himself as the team’s standout performer. In midfield, captain Andy Townsend provided leadership and control, supported by the energy of Ian Taylor and the creativity of Mark Draper. At the back, defensive stability was anchored by Gareth Southgate and Ugo Ehiogu, with goalkeeper Mark Bosnich forming a reliable last line of defence.

Other important squad members included Savo Milošević, Julian Joachim, Tommy Johnson, Steve Staunton, Alan Wright, Fernando Nélson, and Saša Ćurčić, all contributing to a well-rounded and competitive squad.

Worn during a season of defensive solidity, consistent league form and European qualification, this away shirt is closely associated with one of Aston Villa’s most stable and effective mid-1990s campaigns under Brian Little.

Specification & Sizes

Sizing Notice These retro shirts tend to be tighter fitting than modern cuts. We recommend ordering a size up for a more comfortable fit. For example if you are size large order a size XL.

Size	Length (CM)	Pit to Pit (CM)
S	71	51
M	73	53
L	75	55
XL	77	57
XXL	81	60

This chart is intended as a guide, minor deviations can be expected. Length is measured from the top of the shoulder to the hem, width is measured between armpits. All measurements are in cm.

Delivery & Returns

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🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Dispatch 3–4 business days Delivery 5–7 business days

🌍 International

Dispatch 3–4 business days Delivery 10–14 business days

Full universal tracking is provided with every order. If you believe delivery has failed, please contact the courier first using your tracking link, then reach out to us at [email protected].

For full details including lost packages, damaged items and incorrect address policies, view our Shipping Policy.

Washing Instructions

Care Instructions To keep your shirt looking its best for years to come, please follow these guidelines carefully.

🌡️ Temperature

Wash at 30°C maximum. Higher temperatures can damage the fabric, fade colours, and crack printed lettering.

🔄 Cycle

Use a gentle or delicate cycle only. Avoid heavy spin cycles which can distort the shirt shape.

👕 Inside Out

Always turn the shirt inside out before washing to protect the back print, badges, and any embroidery.

🧴 Detergent

Use a mild liquid detergent. Avoid powder detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners as these can degrade print quality.

💨 Drying

Air dry only — lay flat or hang away from direct sunlight. Do not tumble dry as heat will shrink fabric and damage prints.

🔥 Ironing

Do not iron directly over printed areas or badges. If needed, iron on the reverse side only using a low heat setting.

Do not dry clean. Do not wring or twist. Wash separately from items with zips or rough textures that could snag the fabric.

⚠️ Back Print & Badge Care Printed names, numbers, and woven badges are particularly sensitive to heat and abrasion. Always wash inside out, never iron over them directly, and avoid contact with rough surfaces during washing.

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Aston Villa 1996/97 Away Shirt