Admiral Book Shortlisted for Sports Book of the Year
Admiral Sports' commemorative publication, "50 Years of the Replica Shirt", has been shortlisted for the 2025 Charles Tyrwhitt Sports Book Awards in the Illustrated Book of the Year category. This recognition celebrates Admiral's pioneering role in football kit design and the evolution of fan culture over the past five decades.
The book, authored by Rob MacDonald, Adam Bushby, and Lee Nash, with contributions from John Devlin, Theo Hamburger, chronicles the brand's journey from introducing the first replica football shirts in the 1973-74 season to becoming an iconic name in sportswear. Through a blend of archival images, original design sketches, and contemporary photography, the publication offers an in-depth look at Admiral's influence on football fashion and merchandising.
The winners of the 2025 Sports Book Awards were announced at a ceremony on Thursday, 1st May 2025, at The Kia Oval in London. The event was hosted by ITV Sports presenter Mark Pougatch, marking his fourth consecutive year as the ceremony's host. The evening celebrated outstanding contributions to sports literature across various categories, including autobiography, children's sports writing, and international sports book of the year.
While 50 Years of the Replica Shirt did not take home the award, its shortlisting underscores Admiral's enduring legacy in football culture, offering fans and readers a nostalgic journey through the brand's most iconic designs and moments.
