After the twin Wembley triumphs of the previous season, Town didn’t win owt but we were back in the First Division (it would be a few more years before it was rebranded the Championship, kids) where we rightly belonged! Or so we thought. But let’s not dwell on what was to come, let’s just think about the good times.

For the first time in ages, Town weren’t struggling off the field following decent FA Cup and League Cup runs as well as the Auto Windscreens and playoff finals. Stacey Caldicott and Lee Ashcroft arrived to join Wembley heroes such as Kevin Donovan, Paul Groves and Wayne Burnett.

This was Avec’s first season providing kits for the Mariners and it was always going to be tricky following Lotto who had down such a fantastic job in the previous couple of seasons. In fact, Avec actually provided the shirts for both Wembley appearances, starting their kit contract a little earlier than usual.

Looking back, Avec did a pretty decent job and some of their shirts are firm favourite, for example the 1999/00 away <link this!!!>. Their first season was solid and included this 3rd shirt along with a classy dark blue away. It makes me think of Arsenal, particularly their 1997/99 change kit but that’s not a bad thing; gold and navy blue looks pretty good, no?

A nice collar and smart sleeve tapes; an arse-mounted “The Mariners” and a sponsors’ logo which is large without being obtrusive.

Would I change anything? Maybe the club crest didn’t need mounting in a shield and Avec’s sizing is challenging – ranging from large to tarpaulin – but apart from that, no. It’s a great shirt and one you need in your collection.