Season 1889/90
original illustrations of the kits worn during the season
Possible Home Kit
Possible Home Kit
Possible Change Kit
Possible Change Kit
The Season in brief
Newton Heath, whose application to join the Football League received just one vote, competed in the newly formed Football Alliance in 1889/90, finishing eighth of twelve.
They were one of just sixteen clubs given a bye into the first round proper of the F.A. Cup. Here they were unluckily drawn away to the 'Invincibles' of Preston North End, League Champions and F.A. Cup winners in 1888/89 without losing a game! Remarkably the 'Heathens' went a goal up in the opening five minutes before capitulating and eventually losing 6-1.
The 'Heathens' also returned to the Lancashire Senior Cup, but lost 2-1 at Halliwell in the opening round. The season ended with a third consecutive Manchester Cup triumph, Royton beaten 5-2 in the Final.
Evidence of the red and white kit comes from both the Baines Cards, and a newspaper report from the game at Bolton Wanderers on September 7th 1889 which included a description of Newton Heath playing in “their familiar red and white costumes” and is contained in Alan Shury & Brian Landamore's 'The Definitive Newton Heath F.C.' published by SoccerData.
Although we have not found evidence of any 'Heathens' change kit from this period, it is likely to have been a plain white shirt if it existed. White jerseys remained the most popular choice as they were the cheapest to buy.