The Stoketshirts.co.uk blog

Summertime for Stokies – perfect shirts for perfect T shirt weather

With the World Cup, The Potters Holidays and Father’s day on the near horizon we have put together a couple of designs that any Stoke City & England supporter will be proud to wear.

First up we have:-

MADE IN STOKE – ON – TRENT ENGLAND

Made in Stoke - on - Trent Design

All self respecting Stokies do the “tip it over and see where it’s made” action when handling pottery. Sir Stanley Matthews was renowned for this on his frequent travels abroad. With this design there’s no need for people to tip you over because they will know exactly where you were born.

So what better way to declare your roots on the beach (or for the World Cup) this summer than this simple, does-what-it says-on-the-tin design.

A distinctive “maker’s stamp” declaring where you’re from – almost down to street level. The St. George roundel in the background  and the unmistakable symbol of Stoke – the bottle kiln in the middle.

100% Potteries – like the best ceramics!

The shirts are displayed below and on this weblink

All are available at www.Stoketshirts.co.uk
 

Next up is:-

Stoke – on – Trent SCFC – ENGLAND

 

Stoke - on - Trent England SCFC St George's Cross Design

Club or Country? The dilemma every proud football fan faces – what is more important – especially when selecting your attire for the game down the pub this summer. Or maybe the same issue when picking your holiday attire?

Take the indecision away from the situation with this specially created design with Summer and the World Cup on the horizon. A distinctive “maker’s stamp” design declaring where you’re from and who you support – club AND Country. The St. George roundel in the background  and the initials SCFC in the quarters.

Leave your comments with your thoughts.

The Artbay in Fenton is holding a “Spirit of ’66” exhibition which runs from May 22nd. to May 29th.
The exhibition is to celebrate the incredible feeling of togetherness, which comes along for every major football tournament.

Gordon Banks will be creating a piece of Art very shortly at the Artbay and this piece will be auctioned for his Safe Hands charity fund which, over the last 10 years, has raised more than £150,000 for sick children at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

He will also be involved in judging and presenting the winners of a children’s art competition that is being organised to coincide with exhibition.

Under-16s are being asked to produce a piece of artwork reflecting the feeling of camaraderie, charity and goodwill surrounding international sporting tournaments.

A shortlist of 10 entries will be framed and put on display in the gallery and all the young artists will be invited to meet Gordon at the gallery on Friday, May 28.

Closing date for the exhibition is Friday May 21st.

A panel of judges including local artists and Gordon will then choose a winner who will receive a prize of a perspex/acrylic print of their work worth £300.

More info here

http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/new….il/article.html
and here
http://www.creativestoke.co.uk/80430/info.php?p=3

All submitted pieces will be available to view throughout the week-long exhibition in binders.

10 winners will have their pieces framed and shown alongside the other exhibitors’ works and will be invited, with a guest, to the gallery on Friday 28th May to meet Gordon Banks and receive their prize. One, overall winner will be announced on the night and will receive the top prize of a perspex print of their artwork signed by Gordon.

Requirements. Artist must be aged 16 or under. The size of the submitted work must be A3. There are no restrictions on media. Entries will be judged on the degree to which the artist has captured “The Spirit of ’66” in his/her piece and the artistic quality of his/her piece, commensurate with age. All pieces must be received by the gallery no later than Friday 21st of May. The judging panel’s decisions are final.

This got me thinking (which as you may know is dangerous). Gordon Banks football career finished in the mid 70’s. During the next few years did Gordon study art?

The prominence of an artist, who has managed to rise to fame while keeping his identity hidden is goes under the name of Banksy!!

Our depiction of Gordon is shown below and this was proudly modelled by the great man himself.

It’s the mural, made up of lots of pictures of Stoke Fans, to form an image of Sir Stanley Matthews. The project is the result of “proud to be a potter”  see link here http://www.proudtobeapotter.com/

A story promoting the idea from the official website is here http://www.stokecityfc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10310~1945264,00.html

Two pictures from the website that I picked up on are  below

The "Nick Hancock"

Not Nick Hancock

I must say it’s very impressive and can be seen from quite a distance away. It definitely adds to the ground.

It’s the first of two, I guess the other will go on the the twin column near the club shop.

Our own tribute to the Wizard of the Dribble is our “God is 7” T shirt.

 For every shirt sold we make a donation to the great cause The Sir Stanley Matthews Foundation www.ssmf.co.uk

As the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon gold in the country, the discovery of the ‘Staffordshire Hoard’ attracted masses of researchers and historians while creating a media frenzy. A routine cataloging of a peculiar Saxon container, however, has uncovered something even rarer – a genuine Anglo-Saxon tapestry that depicts events that may be eerily familiar to supporters of Stoke City.

Left furled up in the bottom of the container, the tapestry has miraculously managed to remain in legible condition. The first section names the document ‘ye Boothen tapestry’ and goes on to explain that it was commissioned by Penda of Mercia, the 7th Century King of Mercia, to depict the prophecies of a hitherto unknown seer named as ‘Pottæfred’.

While the details are currently indistinct, it would seem that Pottæfred’s subject is a Mercian army that he consistently refers to as ‘Stoke City’. It is initially explained that the tapestry will tell the story of one of the Kingdom’s oldest forces who have a halcyon period before a series of unfortunate events and heavy defeats result in the gradual decay as a fighting unit. What follows is a series of tales that have a remarkable number of parallels with the modern day Stoke City’s rise to the Premier League.

The tales begin as the Viking noblemen who have taken control of the army relinquish their command to ‘merchant Coates’, a local businessman who compensates the Vikings with a decent amount of gold and what is referred to as a ‘mystery sack’. One of the merchant’s first acts is to bring with him the army’s previous battle tactician Anthony Pulis, thought to have been martyred by the Vikings for his unswerving Christian belief in spending hours forcing the locals to observe his silent weekly study of the bible, as opposed to introducing Viking berserkers to put on regular fighting contests.

With this as his starting point, Pottæfred proceeds to chart a series of notable events in the army’s history and even includes special profiles for the more notable soldiers, detailing their role within the army.

Said history undergraduate and Stoke season ticket holder Adam Wootton,

“Naturally, everyone is very excited by this extra find, especially given recent revelations about its content. Initially, we were hoping that it would give us an insight into Saxon life in Mercia under Penda, but instead we’ve recovered a fascinating document that seems to relate to modern events. Perhaps we can work on translating and interpreting the later parts of the text and see what Pottæfred thinks is yet to come. Remarkably, vast sections of the tapestry have survived so hopefully there’s plenty left to work on.”

One key part of the tapestry that has been the subject of much scrutiny and restoration techniques based on those first used by Louis Joubert in the mid 1800’s, is the section entitled “Ye Britannic Bearpit.” This was in a relative poor state of repair (see photo 1 below) when first discovered, but has been carefully reproduced using the Joubert technique to produce a bright clear image. (see photo 2).

Segment of Ye Boothen Tapestry pre- restoration

Photo 1

A reconstruction of the original tapestry

Photo 2

The works have been secured for the popular enjoyment of the public by Stoketshirts.co.uk thus preserving this fascinating part of Potters’ history for generation to come.

Other images that have undergone the reconstruction process show other characters that bear amazing similarities to the Stoke City players of today.

Sir Liam - Keeper of Ye Hounds

Anthony Pulis - Avenged Martyr and Director of Battle

Rory ye Slinger - Lord Longthrowe of Stoke

As you read this, the restoration work continues and new revelations are being discovered on a daily basis.

Get Leathered at Easter

Spring has sprung (just about) and it’s the time of year for chocolate eggs and hot cross buns (and possibly quite reflection on matters spiritual). Or not. Anyway, why should the kids get all the fun? We at stoketshirts.co.uk are very pleased to announce that we’re moving into leather goods.

No! stop thinking about those sort of leather goods! Ours are far more useful. Why not treat a loved one or just treat yourself to either a new wallet or a passport holder – the summer holidays are just around the corner.

We have produced a wallet, made from a distinctive “distressed” look leather which are block embossed with our ever popular “SC/FC – Let There Be Stoke” design.

SCFC Let there be Stoke Wallet

They’re really practical as well – with enough pockets to hold at least eight bank or credit cards and have a double mesh screen flap designed to hold personal ID like a Driving License, Student Union or Oyster travel card. So next time you’re at the bar, whip out the readies from this unique piece of leather you’ll be proud to show off.

Our Passport holders are ideal for Stokies thinking about their summer holidays or who travel with work and want to declare their pride in being a Potter as well as their British-ness.

Stoke - on - Trent passport holder

Finished in soft red leather they proudly display the City of Stoke-on-Trent crest and the English translation of the City motto “United Strength is Stronger”. Just like the wallets they’re practical as well as stylish – they have a number of pockets to hold cash or travel documents and a clear window to display the owner’s passport when showing it to demanding officials.

Stoke - on - Trent passport holder inside

Both the wallets and passport holders are sourced locally in Staffordshire from a supplier that has high street retailer Next as one of it’s customers. The level of quality in the products is excellent and even better – prices for both items include post and packing. Wallets are £14.99 Passport Holders £12.99.

For a link to buy the wallet click here – WALLET
For a link to buy the passport holder click here – PASSPORT HOLDER

We have also made them available locally – The highly regarded, award winning, gift store The Pepper Kiln 19, The Strand, Longton is owned by fellow Stokies Ian and Jill. If you are calling in then don’t forget take a treat for their Stoke supporting Staffy Bull, Monty.

Hell Bent for Leather

Another day at the Britannia and another prima donna referee. Stoke City versus Tottenham Hotspurs saw Mike Dean hit the headlines.
There’s an old saying that goes “be seen and not heard” and too many of today’s Premier League officials really take that to heart.
They love to think we have paid our hard earned cash to watch them. Mike Dean is another one of the Rob Styles, Graham Poll school who think it’s their stage.
He thinks it’s the “Mike Dean Show”, especially with his over exhuberant gestures – what a prize tosser.
No doubt he’ll go back to the referee’s club and re-live the story of how he robbe Stoke again to his buddies.
As they get nearer the end of their career they get more controversial as it makes them more attractive to media companies.
I don’t know about you but I hate listening to Poll when he’s on 5live and often switch it off. He talks as if he has a “holier than thou” attitude.

As for the sending off, then I don’t think Whitehead should have given him the opportunity. Both “tackles” were careless and in areas of the pitch when a pressing obstruction would have been a wiser choice. A player of his experience should be making better choices and I guess that Tony Pulis, while being supportive of the player in public, will have a few words in private.

To close I think that referees should switch the earlier saying around and have the attitude that they should be heard and not seen (On the pitch and not in the media!).

With Stoke about to set to the field against Harry’s Spurs I recalled a connection about Super Dave Kitson being a Tottenham fan. I read an old piece from his Reading days about DK worshipping Spurs and Glen Hoddle.

This cutting from it shows his real empathy for football fans.
“Kitson makes no bones about his love for all things Spurs.
He said: “I make no secret of it and why should I? I think it is sad to be a footballer and not be a fan. It is almost a sin.
“There are players who just don’t see how football affects people and can’t remove themselves enough to see the impact they have. It is such a huge part of our culture.
“I am a fan and it matters to me whether Tottenham win. And it matters to my family. If Spurs lose, the week is a non-starter.”

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-505036/Kitson-aiming-rock-Spurs-idols.html#ixzz0iheJ1W9S

Also another interesting piece here
From Tavern to Tottenham via Sainsbury’s on the Dave Kitson road to stardom

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/reading/article3105540.ece

He has scored previously against Tottenham, If he gets a start today let’s hope he can pull off the same trick in red and white stripes.

Here’s the latest offering from my mobile phone camera.
This time it’s Chelsea away just before Kick Off in the FA Cup Quarter Final at Stamford Bridge
are we all JT’s children?

We also took our banner to the ground and have a few pics of it below.

Tony Says Hanging Baskets

Tony Says GOONER

Tony Says Shed? Should be Bed – Chelski fans were sleeping

Having a scout through the internet I discovered a site that made me smile. It’s called http://www.super-subs.co.uk/ and is nowt to do with substitutes.

The site uses Subbuteo figures to re-create famous moments in the glorious game.

Now being of a certain age, I was bought up on Subbuteo and possessed a Stoke City team that was proudly purchased from the Bratt & Dyke (how would this name fair 30 years on?) store up Hanley Duck.

I also bought the set of stick on numbers that were a pain in the arse to get to stay on the players backs.
They regularly trounced the opposition that were the teams that came with the set, (plain red tops and plain blue tops as per picture below) Liverpool, Everton, Manchester United, Chelsea or even Carlisle! I must admit that playing my brother who was 4 years younger than me helped me rack up double figure scores against these also rans!

Classic Subbuteo Club Edition Reds vs Blues

I also can remember swopping the number 5 around after my Mum trood on on the Stoke team. With a bit of glue from the Airfix kits, the plastic casualty was christened Denis Smith. Somehow the glue never seemed to set properly and Den would spend time in the Airfix Box treatment room with either a red or blue sub taking his place.

Now the reason I choose to support Stoke City isn’t because I possessed the Subbuteo team, unlike Scotland Rugby boss Andy Robinson! Not a lot of people know that a young Mr. Robinson chose Stoke because his set had the team with it, while his brother supported Man. City (I think!). Strange what magic the “flick to kick” game can bring to people’s lives isn’t it?

Anyway, enough of my ramblings, and back to the website.
As I was saying, it recreates famous moments in football with pictures of subbuteo players.
These include, the Maradona, Peter Shilton “Hand of God” incident (pictured below), Terry Butcher’s England bandage moment (very Andy Wilkinson), Frank “spit the dog” Rikjaard, Roger Milla – corner flag and the ZZ butt. My favourite is the Vinny Jones/ Paul Gascoigne “cough” moment.
The others can be seen on the site here:- http://www.super-subs.co.uk/

The Hand of Cheat

This got me thinking!

What famous Stoke City moments could be recreated with Subbuteo figures?

Oulare’s Arse? Eastham’s Goal? Rory’s Longthrow? The Promotion Pitch Invasion?
Your thoughts and Subbuteo reminiscence’s please!

Does anyone have a replica Boothen End? 🙂

What do you get when you cross a t shirt designer with a Turkish International footballing legend, a marxist revolutionary and a former University of East London student who had a UK Number one single in 2009?
A bizarre mix of t shirt designs, that’s what!

From Che Guevara to Tinchy Stryder, could our influences be wider??

Our TUNCHE design is a simple mix of Guevara

Che Guevara at the La Coubre memorial service.
Taken by Alberto Korda on March 5, 1960.

PLUS Tuncay

EQUALS

TUNCHE

N.B. Turkish ref. on cap badge 🙂 (*

Meanwhile

Tinchy Stryder and his Star in the Hood clothing range
available here
Star In The Hood

PLUS
TUNCAY – (when he plays “in the hole” behind the front two, as late on at Wigan)

EQUALS
TUNCAY STRYKER – A STAR IN THE HOLE

Another little known connection between Stoke – on – Trent and Tinchy Stryder is Jack Foster! Jack is the son of Author Stephen Foster, known for his excellent books on Stoke City, “She Stood There Laughing” “….And She Laughed No More”

Jack is pictured on the front of “She Stood There Laughing” and has since gone on to achieve fame in his own right through his music management career. His company is called “Takeover Entertainment” and he is co – manager of Tinchy Stryder.
Not bad for a Stokie living in Norwich!

These designer shirts and hoodies are all available online at www.stoketshirts.co.uk
Click the following links

Tunche
Star In The Hole
as well as the book
….And She Laughed No More