Following a 25-year absence from the top flight, one of the Premier League’s inaugural members returns for the 26/27 season, and hummel have made sure they will do so in style with the reveal of the Coventry City home shirt.
Everyone has a list of clubs in their head that just feel like they belong in the Premier League. For me, Coventry City are firmly on that list. Prime Darren Huckerby and Dion Dublin formed one of the most effective big man–little man partnerships of the era, right up there with the likes of Kevin Phillips and Niall Quinn. Sure, that probably gives away my age a bit, but Coventry were there from the very beginning of the Premier League (or the Premiership, as it was then), and their return after a quarter of a century away feels thoroughly deserved. Technical partners hummel, who have been outfitting the Sky Blues since 2019 and have produced some real gems in that time (the 2022/23 set remains a personal favourite), have made sure the club's return to the top flight comes with a suitably stylish look.
The 2026/27 home shirt takes its inspiration from one of the most iconic days in Coventry City history: the 1987 FA Cup triumph. Rather than simply reproducing the look, hummel have reworked elements of that famous shirt into something that feels contemporary.
A deeper shade of Sky Blue forms the base, immediately evoking memories of the kit worn at Wembley that day, while a bold striped graphic across the front brings added character. Look closer and you'll find a subtle four-tone jacquard pattern woven into the stripes, inspired by the scenes that engulfed Coventry city centre when the Cup was brought home. It's the sort of detail that rewards a second glance rather than screaming for attention.
Navy pinstripes border each front stripe to provide another link back to the original 1987 design, while navy detailing on the collar and hummel's trademark chevrons help frame the shirt nicely. There are smaller touches for supporters to appreciate too. A stylised '1987' sits beneath the back collar and is also woven into the internal neck tape, serving as a subtle tribute to the greatest day in the club's history.
It's a smart balancing act from hummel. Nostalgia-driven designs can sometimes lean too heavily on the past, but this feels more like a respectful nod than a full-blown retro remake. It'll be a unique look amongst England's elite, and I'm already looking forward to seeing Cov back amongst the biggest and best in the land, suitably attired, of course.
The Coventry City 26/27 home shirt is available from the club's online store.
