There’s room for far more opinions than our own on Hull City Kits, so we’ve decided that we’re going to canvass the kit views of fellow Tiger Nationals… starting with YouTube vlogger Joe Collins (Old Grandpa Joe), who has gone through more Kappa apparel than the Italian national side it seems!  

HCK: What makes the perfect Hull City home kit for you?

Joe: Firstly, this is a really challenging question. Because I adore the classic black and amber stripes, but I’m also more than open to something a little bit different. But, for me, I’d go for black and amber stripes, perhaps with a faint tiger pattern among the amber stripes like the 2022/23 home shirt did. I like the 2023/24 collar, so I’d opt for that style of collar if it was my choice. I am also quite fond of central logos, but the club have only done this once in my lifetime.

HCK: What’s the nearest to perfection the club have achieved in your view?

Joe: In my lifetime, I think the 2013/14 home shirt is up there. The B&A stripes, simple collar and central Adidas logo looks smart. Plus, I have a bit of sentimental value regarding this kit – as it was my first season as a season-pass holder (I bet that makes a few of you feel old hahaha!).

HCK: Indeed, thanks for that! What about change and third kits, any preferences with those?

For me, one has to be a more classic black, white or blue look. The other has to be a bit different; a bit more “out-there”. The blackout kit is one of my favourites from recent years, and the 2013/14 away and 2014/5 third shirts are among my favourites of all time. Bold claim here, but the ‘Cactus Purple’ 2016/17 third shirt is also one I really like – probably because it is so far removed from anything else the club have done.

HCK: Oh, we’re in violent agreement about that…  Most football fans own a few shirts, but would you consider yourself a ‘shirt collector’?

Joe: I’d consider myself a collector of Hull City replica shirts. I still have every Hull City shirt I have ever owned somewhere in my house, and they will move with me when I eventually find my own place and leave my childhood home of nearly 18 years. In terms of matchworn shirts, this is an area I hope to delve deeper in to. Currently, I have a match-issued Ozan Tufan shirt from last season’s FA Cup defeat to Fulham.

HCK: Any shirts that you consider so bad that you’d refuse to wear them?

Joe: Hull City shirts, no. Some of Liverpool’s away/third shirts in the past, however…

HCK: That’s wise. Any kits from other clubs that you wish City had gone with instead?

Joe: Can’t say I’ve ever given this much thought, but the Umbro AFC Wimbledon home shirt this year makes me wonder what we may have got had we stuck with them. That is a thing of beauty.

HCK: How did you feel about Kappa becoming club supplier?

Joe: By the time the club announced it, it wasn’t really a story. We all expected the change. Kappa are famous for some very nice designs, but time will tell if we’ve made the right call switching.

HCK: Any hopes for future Kappa/City output?

Joe: Initially, I understand them playing it safe with their home kit design. But, I hope to see some variation in it in the coming years. Kappa typically come out with some unique, yet incredible, home shirts for other clubs. I hope we get the same treatment.

HCK: Is there a brand you would like to see the club wear at some point?

Joe: Let’s see how Kappa do first, haha.

HCK: Can you show us the favourite City shirt that you own?

Joe: I can’t show it, because the house is a building site at the moment and I don’t want to create more mess by getting it out of the loft, but it was one of the first City shirts I ever owned. 2013/14 Adidas away shirt. I can remember on the day it was released on sale, I was spending the day with my Grandma. Ahead of the first season my Dad and I got season passes/memberships, she took me to the stadium and bought it for me. That story, along with how much I still love the kit now and memories of some of the games we played in it, makes it my favourite (even though I haven’t seen it in years).

HCK: If you could own any City matchworn shirt at all, what would it be?

Joe: My favourite City player of all time is David Meyler. My dream matchworn shirt is one of his from a game that I can find some photos of online. I’m on the lookout for one in my price range.

HCK: Speaking more realistically, what’s on your City kit wish list?

Joe: More realistically, I want shirts worn by players who I have a connection too. I interviewed Jacob Greaves 6 years ago, so one of his is on my bucket list. Additionally, I like to think Harry Vaughan and I get on well, having spoken to him relatively frequently since his arrival into the academy from Oldham. I’d eventually like to add one of his to my collection.

HCK: Lastly, do you hold any unpopular City kit opinions?

Joe: The purple cactus third shirt from 2016/17 is one of the top 3 shirts Umbro made for us from 2014-2023.

Thanks Joe!

If you’re not familiar with Joe’s YouTube output, here’s a flavour, where he reacts to the blue Kappa third shirt…

Additionally, you can follow Joe on TwitteX – @Old_GrandpaJoe or on Insta 

If you’d like to appear in this new Talking Shirt feature, you can email les.motherby@googlemail.com