Getting Shirty 1995-96 home

Quite possibly the finest kit that this club has ever had. Black and white hoops is the traditional kit that a lot of fans favour, and in 1995 it made its comeback in a big way (writes Craig Stoddart)

Not since the Brian Little-led title-winning seasons four years previously had hoops been worn, but they made a successful comeback for 1995-96 – the season that Darlington first reached Wembley.

Given its premier for the final two matches of 94-95 – home to Chesterfield and away to Bury – the striking kit was sponsored by mobile phone giants Orange - yes, us, little old Darlo, sponsored by Orange – but that huge orange square did not adversely affect a kit that remains a huge favourite among many fans. Eight years later supporters team Uncovered FC even had their own kit designed based on this very strip.

The length of shorts were notable for being so long, just about covering the kneecaps of young Portuguese winger Pedro Paulo, pictured, who dazzled during a brief stint at the beginning of the season.

Darlington began the season with orange-coloured numbers on the back but finished it with red. No idea why but at least the back of the shirt was not entirely black or white, which, sadly, is how most hooped shirts appear these days.

Sadly after one season the hoops were ditched in favour of the Soccerdome-sponsored kit just in time for the play-offs. We lost at Wembley to Plymouth, but perhaps if we’d worn hoops...