A collector who has spent over £40,000 on football shirts has criticized the price of the new England shirt, calling it overpriced for families. Les Motherby, from East Yorkshire, has amassed a collection of 240 replica and original kits since the 1990s, including England shirts worn by players such as Peter Crouch and Mark Hateley.
England shirt pricing concerns from a collector
Motherby pointed out that an England kit for a child can cost up to £123, which he believes is expensive for families with multiple children. He said, “I’m a grown adult with disposable income. It’s very different when you’re bringing up a family and all of those kids want kits. I have a lot of empathy.”
He noted that replica kits have always been considered a premium item, but their prices have risen faster than inflation. In the 1990s, a replica shirt could be bought for about £30, whereas now prices range between £80 and £90. Motherby suggested that unless consumers push back against the high prices, brands will continue to charge them.
Collector’s perspective on classic versus new kits
Motherby also highlighted that classic England shirts often represent better value than new ones. He mentioned that in the 1980s, replica kits were mainly targeted at children, but from the early 1990s, they became popular among adults as well. He added that wearing old shirts has become more accepted, especially with the upcoming World Cup, and that fans can find bargains on classic England shirts.
He described his collecting hobby as a way to preserve pieces of football history, especially genuine shirts worn by players during matches. “A game can’t happen without two kits that distinguish the sides, and when you realise you can collect those, you think, I’m actually collecting pieces of a club’s history,” he said.
Responses from kit maker and local parents
Nike, the maker of the England kit, said it regularly reviews product costs to balance performance with rising material, manufacturing, and logistics expenses. A spokesperson acknowledged that price increases matter to fans and are not taken lightly.
Local parent Graham Walker, from Grimsby, expressed frustration with the high cost of the England kit, calling it “pretty disgusting” and unaffordable for many families. He noted that children often want the kits to keep up with peers at football training. Walker mentioned that his local club, Grimsby Town FC, offers more affordable kits, with prices reduced from £66 to £62 in a recent sale.