Blue – Page 2 – THE KIT RAIL

Starting his career off at Kilmarnock in 2004, Naismith would make 71 appearances while scoring 24 goals that would help secure a move to Glasgow to join Rangers in 2007. After spending five years with the Gers’, winning three league titles, a Scottish Cup and two League Cups, Steven would make a move down south to Premier league outfit Everton. Three and a half years at the Toffee’s and 123 appearances later, Naismith would move to Norwich in a fight to keep them in the top division. Unfortunately his talents were not enough to help the fight and Norwich were relegated and after a full season in the English Championship, a move to Hearts on loan would help secure them a top six finish in the Scottish Premiership and a permanent move was made for just over one million pounds.

We will be having a look into his time at Everton and then diving deep into this jersey from Everton’s 15-16 campaign where Naismith made ten appearances before making the switch to Norwich in January 2016.

Credit – Steven Naismith with the perfect hat-trick vs…. – Squawka Football (tumblr.com)

During the 15-16 campaign, Naismith’s three goals would all come in the same game as Everton overcame Chelsea 3-1 as Naismith came on as a substitute in the ninth minute due to an injury on Bosnian midfielder Muhamed Besic.

This top is very similar to most Everton kits around this time as most use the blue and white template and sport the synonymous Chang beer. However Umbro have placed a lot of small details to be found within it such as the Latin under the badge, ‘Nil Satis Nisi Optimum’, which translates to only the best is good enough. An NSNO can also be found on the back of the neck.

The top would not be complete without the Barclays Premier League patches on the sleeves and the lion on the Barclays lion on the bottom of each number.

James McFadden – Scotland 05′

September 2005 saw Scotland overcome Norway in the hope of qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Germany, but unfortunately it would be Norway that would progress to a second round with Italy gaining automatic qualification. During the qualification phase, McFadden would score twice in wins against Moldova and Slovenia.

In this game against Norway, Kenny Miller would score a first half brace with McFadden assisting the first with a headed flick before Miller poked it home. McFadden would be substituted in the 72nd minute for striker Craig Beattie after being booked earlier in the game. Norway would score their only goal of the game in the 89th minute with a drive from the edge of the box leaving a nervous Scotland team to finish the game.

Credit – (1) Pinterest McFadden – left, Miller – centre and Fletcher – right

This Diadora jersey is simple but instantly recognisable as a Scotland top, mainly down to the colours used being light blue with a navy and white stripe. The spots on the top of the shoulder also matching the navy on the sleeve. The spots on the shoulder also changed colour as the players heated up during the game.

James would go on to play 48 times for Scotland over an eight year international career, with his first cap coming at the age of 19, against South Africa, while playing for his first club Motherwell. McFadden would become a regular in the Scotland set up scoring some vital goals, with the winner in both 1-0 wins over the Netherlands and France being his most notable.

After his retirement, James would become a coach for the national side where he would work under Alex McLeish from 2018 to 2019.