Few colors in football are as distinctive as Blackpool FC’s orange shirts. In a sport where red, blue, and white dominate the landscape, Blackpool’s bold and unconventional choice has made them instantly recognizable for nearly a century. Behind the bright tangerine hue lies a rich history of innovation, identity, and symbolism.
The Origin of Tangerine
The story of Blackpool’s iconic tangerine kit begins in 1923, thanks to club director Albert Hargreaves. Hargreaves, who also worked as an international referee, officiated a match between Holland and Belgium and was immediately struck by the vibrant orange shirts worn by the Dutch national team. Inspired by their unique color and presence on the pitch, Hargreaves proposed that Blackpool adopt a similar look to distinguish themselves.
The club implemented the change for the 1923/24 season, becoming the first English Football League club to wear plain shirts in this standout hue. Initially, however, the color wasn’t quite right. Described as “amber,” the first version leaned toward a golden-brown shade, which didn’t match the striking vision Hargreaves had seen.
After just a few matches, Blackpool made adjustments, introducing a brighter tangerine shirt with black collars. This improved version debuted in September 1923 against Crystal Palace, marking the beginning of the club’s iconic association with the color.
The Forgotten Belgian Connection
While Blackpool’s tangerine shirts are their most famous look, there’s a fascinating and often overlooked chapter in their kit history that occurred during World War I. In 1914, as the war broke out, the seaside town of Blackpool became a haven for Belgian refugees fleeing conflict in their homeland. In a remarkable display of solidarity, the club temporarily adopted the colors of the Belgian flag—red, black, and yellow—for their 1914/15 season kit.
This gesture not only highlighted the club’s compassion during a global crisis but also reflected the community’s close ties to those it welcomed. While the Belgian-inspired kits were short-lived, they remain an enduring testament to the spirit of camaraderie and inclusiveness that defines Blackpool FC.
A Unique Identity in English Football
Blackpool’s decision to embrace tangerine has given them a unique identity in English football. Few clubs around the world have chosen to wear orange, making Blackpool a true standout. Some notable teams that share similar shades include:
- Brisbane Roar (Australia) – Known for their bright orange kits in the A-League.
- Dundee United (Scotland) – Nicknamed “The Tangerines,” much like Blackpool.
- Houston Dynamo (USA) – Sporting vibrant orange in Major League Soccer.
- Lorient (France) – A French side renowned for their orange kits.
- Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine) – Combining orange with black, creating a strong visual identity.
While these teams have made orange part of their image, none are as synonymous with the color as Blackpool FC. The club proudly embraces the nickname “The Tangerines” while continuing to honor their other moniker, “The Seasiders.”
Evolution of the Kit
Interestingly, Blackpool’s relationship with tangerine has not always been continuous. In the 1933/34 season, under chairman Sir Lindsay Parkinson, the club temporarily switched to light and dark blue stripes. This decision reflected Parkinson’s personal connection to horse racing, as the colors matched those of his racing silks.
However, this departure from tradition quickly proved impractical. During the 1937/38 season, Blackpool had to change their kit for 12 out of 21 away games because of color clashes. Frustrated by the constant changes, the club reverted to their tangerine shirts and white shorts for the 1938/39 season, reestablishing a visual identity that has endured ever since.
The Golden Era
Blackpool’s tangerine shirts rose to iconic status during their post-war golden era, a period marked by success and legendary players. Their most celebrated triumph came in the 1953 FA Cup Final, famously known as the “Stanley Matthews Final.” In a thrilling encounter against Bolton Wanderers, Blackpool mounted a dramatic comeback to win 4-3, with the legendary winger Stanley Matthews leading the charge.
This victory remains Blackpool’s only FA Cup win and solidified their place in football history. During this era, Blackpool reached three FA Cup finals and regularly competed at the top of English football, becoming one of the country’s most exciting teams. The tangerine shirts became inseparable from the club’s success, forever linking their color to one of the greatest matches in football history.
Modern Times and Fan Debate
In modern times, Blackpool’s tangerine identity remains a defining feature of the club. However, there has been ongoing debate among fans about the exact shade of the kit. Some supporters argue that recent iterations have strayed from the true tangerine and now lean toward a darker orange. Despite these discussions, the iconic color continues to set Blackpool apart and remains a cherished part of the club’s identity.
The passion surrounding the color demonstrates its significance to both the club and its supporters. Tangerine is more than just a kit choice; it’s a symbol of tradition, resilience, and pride for generations of Blackpool fans.
Inspiration from the Dutch
While Blackpool’s adoption of tangerine was inspired by the Dutch national team, the Netherlands have since turned orange into their own iconic identity. Known as “Oranje,” the Dutch national team has worn their bright orange shirts since 1905, a tribute to the House of Orange-Nassau, the Dutch royal family.
Over the years, the Netherlands have become synonymous with the color, achieving major success, including winning the 1988 European Championship and reaching three World Cup finals.
Although inspired by the Dutch, Blackpool’s decision to embrace tangerine remains unique within English football. While other clubs play in red, blue, or white, Blackpool’s bold and daring choice ensures they are immediately recognizable on the pitch.
A Lasting Legacy
From their brief wartime tribute to Belgium to their enduring association with tangerine, Blackpool’s kit history tells a story of community spirit, innovation, and bold individuality. The club’s decision to stand out with tangerine has become a cornerstone of their identity, reflecting both their ambition and resilience.
Whether during their golden era of the 1950s or in modern times, Blackpool’s shirts have become a symbol of pride for fans and an iconic fixture in English football. Their bold choice of color continues to brighten the footballing landscape, proving that tradition and identity often go hand in hand.
For Blackpool, tangerine isn’t just a color—it’s a story, a legacy, and a symbol of everything the club represents.
