Manchester City 1997/98 Away Shirt

Description

Away shirt worn by Manchester City F.C. during the 1997–98 season, a defining low point in the club’s modern history, as City suffered relegation from the Football League First Division into the third tier for the first time ever, despite a dramatic final-day victory away at Stoke City.

The shirt features a clean white base with a bold navy upper chest and sleeves, creating a strong layered contrast across the top half of the design. A distinctive horizontal maroon stripe runs across the chest, acting as the shirt’s central visual focal point. The collar and cuffs are finished in navy with maroon and white striped detailing, while the neckline is styled in maroon with navy and white accents for a layered, retro-inspired finish. Additional maroon and white trim runs along the tops of the sleeves, tying the design together with sharp, structured detailing.

The 1997–98 season was one of chaos both on and off the pitch. Under manager Frank Clark, City endured a poor run of form that left them entrenched in the relegation zone by mid-season. Clark was dismissed in February and replaced by Joe Royle, but despite a late push for survival, the turnaround came too late to save the club.

The campaign ended in heartbreak on the final day. Even though City secured a crucial 5–2 away win at Stoke City, results elsewhere ensured they finished 22nd in Division One with 48 points, sealing relegation to Division Two. It remains one of the most painful conclusions in the club’s history, made even more bitter by the belief that survival had been within reach.

The squad was led in goals by Paul Dickov, who finished as top scorer with nine goals across all competitions. Georgi Kinkladze once again provided moments of brilliance, remaining the club’s standout creative force despite the overall struggles. Late-season additions like Shaun Goater hinted at future rebuilding, while experienced figures such as Peter Beardsley arrived in short-term roles as the club searched for solutions.

This white, navy, and maroon-trimmed away shirt is forever associated with one of the darkest chapters in Manchester City’s history, a season of turmoil, missed chances, and eventual relegation that would ultimately set the stage for the club’s long climb back to the top.

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

Free Shipping Worldwide Every order ships free, no minimum spend required.

🇬🇧 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.

Why choose us?

High-Quality

Our shirts are premium retro-style kits from football history. They are modern recreations made to celebrate the classic designs fans love.

Iconic Designs from Football History

From 1970s classics to 1990s fan favourites, our collection covers some of the most legendary kits ever worn, carefully recreated so you can wear a piece of football history.

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We price our shirts fairly with no hidden fees or inflated markups. What you see is what you pay, simple and honest.

Free Worldwide Shipping

Every order ships free, no matter where you are in the world. No minimum spend, no exceptions.

Fan-First Service

Whether you're a seasoned collector or buying your first retro shirt, we're here to help. Reach us anytime at [email protected]