Interview: Shshirts | Shirt Collector & Kit Community Creative | Notts County Fan.
Say hello to Sam. As many of you will know, Sam is a massive part of the kit collecting community and showcases his growing collection of fabulous football shirts on Instagram, so make sure you check out his page (@shshirts)! So, we thought it was time for a catchup with Sam about his shirt collecting journey.
What do football shirts mean to you?
For me, football shirts are basically a way of remembering football. You can look at a shirt and instantly think of a certain player, team, tournament or even just a period of your life. I also just love them as pieces of clothing. They’re one of the few things you can wear that say something about you and the football you’re into without you having to explain it!
📸 Sam rocking this awesome 1992/94 PSV home shirt
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What is it that makes a particular football shirt so special?
I think it’s the story attached to it. It doesn’t necessarily have to be rare or expensive, or even a particularly nice-looking shirt. It could be the shirt your team wore when they won something, one you associate with your favourite player, or just one you remember wearing when you were younger. Sometimes the shirts that mean the most to you aren’t the ones everyone else would consider special.
📸 Sam sporting this glorious 2002/04 England away shirt
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Do you remember your first shirt?
Yes - Man United 2003/04. Hooley #9 on the back (ruined 😂)
What is your favourite era of shirts?
For me, 1998 was the greatest year for football shirts. Have a look at that season and especially at that year’s World Cup. Grails EVERYWHERE!
📸 Sam wearing his gorgeous 1997/99 England home shirt
How many shirts do you have in your collection, and is there one that particularly stands out?
About 100 now, I did have more but needed to sell for funds/living space! The one that stands out for me is my 2005/06 Southampton Home shirt with original Championship printing BALE 37 on the back. One of my favourite ever players, and a very very rare shirt.
📸 Sam wearing his grail at St. Mary's
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What is it that hooked you to supporting Notts County?
My dad has supported them his whole life, plus my second-cousin Richard Walker played for them from 1990-1997. We all meet up at least once every season to watch them play, and laugh about how much the game has changed since Richard played 😂
📸 Sam with his Dad and second-cousin, Richard Walker, at Meadow Lane
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Do you have a moment from following Notts County that you'll never forget?
League Two Play-off Final 2026. Watching the team at Wembley. Scorching heat. 3-0 victory. Perfect.