England’s World Cup 82’ Mascot: Bulldog Bobby

Created as England's official team mascot for the tournament in Spain, The Admiral team worked hired the Yorkshire based illustrator Gill Guile to design Bulldog Bobby for them. Sporting England's iconic early '80s Admiral kit complete with the Three Lions crest, the athletic bulldog quickly became a familiar face for fans during the World Cup.

The story began when Alf Cooke Printworks was tasked with creating a new mascot for England's clothing partner, Admiral. Guile's design was chosen from four proposed sketches, and Bulldog Bobby was soon appearing on merchandise across the country.

While the tournament's official mascot was Naranjito, the smiling orange created for Spain '82, Bulldog Bobby became England's own symbol of the competition. Fans could find him almost everywhere, from T-shirts and plush toys to keyrings and other souvenirs, making him one of the most recognisable pieces of England merchandise from the era.

His popularity was helped by the excitement surrounding the 1982 tournament, England's first World Cup appearance in 12 years after missing the 1974 and 1978 competitions.

Today, Bulldog Bobby is remembered as a snapshot of early '80s football culture. From the iconic Admiral kit to the colourful merchandise that accompanied England's return to the World Cup stage, he remains a much-loved part of the country's football heritage.