Ranking Man City's 10 Best Home Kits of All Time

While the kit may seem arbitrary to many, for football fans it is a vitally important part of new season preparations, and can often set the tone for a good season.

Although it may seem ludicrous to think a kit can have any impact on a football result, yet how often do a side sporting a bad jersey win anything? Exactly.

The kits themselves can also be perceived to be better through the memory of triumph or silverware while wearing them - which perhaps explains why a number of Manchester City's recent shirts are so iconic and memorable.

Here's a look then at a ranked selection of the Sky Blues best home kits of all time...

10. Le Coq Sportif (2001-02)

While this kit may not be to everyone's taste, it represents the club's last spell in English football's second tier, before they were promoted under Kevin Keegan's leadership in the 2001/02 season.

Although the darker blue - which was a feature of the late 90s and early 2000s - has often been somewhat of a sore subject, it represents something of a refreshing change from the norm.

While often shirt sponsors can hinder the design of many kits, the large EIDOS emblazoned across the shirt seems to somewhat add to the jersey, providing a contrast with the darker shades of the shirt.

9. Umbro (1978-81)

This simple yet effective kit may remind the Citizens' fans of an FA Cup final defeat, but it is a beautifully crafted jersey nonetheless.

John Bond's side had reached the showpiece event in 1981, before losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the replay, courtesy of a stunning Ricky Villa goal (you know the one).

While the 70s and 80s may not be remembered too fondly by City fans, the club certainly knew how to make a kit, as the shiny, collared shirt above is testament to.

They don't make kits like this anymore.

8. 'Buzzer ' and the Glory Years (1967-71)

Just imagine that it's blue, okay?

Under the managerial expertise of Joe Mercer, the Manchester side enjoyed a hugely successful end to the 1960s, picking up their second League title, the League Cup, the FA Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup - all while wearing this kit.

Although the kit remained relatively similar throughout the 1960s, this kit in particular is remembered fondly for the silverware that the side amassed, as well as for the great players that pulled the jersey on, i.e. Mike Summerbee and Colin Bell - two iconic figures of Manchester City football club.

The kit itself is an epitome of the time, yet the simple design of light blue with a white collar and sleeve trim remains effective nonetheless.

7. Umbro (1993-1995)

City fans probably want to forgot about the 1990s altogether, but the kit pictured above is still iconic, regardless of the ill-fortune that the side suffered during this period.

Perhaps a 'marmite' shirt among fans - particularly due to the Umbro logo serving as the background to the jersey - the collar and neat Umbro trim on the sleeves make this kit definitely one you'd want to pull out for your next five-a-side game.

6. Umbro (2009-10)

Ah, the early Sheikh Mansour era, a time of erratic purchases and a seemingly unlimited transfer budget, as the club began to form into the European superpower that they are today.

With the likes of Craig Bellamy and Emmanuel Adebayor leading the charge, as Mark Hughes tried to build a squad capable of mounting a title challenge.

The kit - which is perhaps a nod to the great kit and sides of the 1960s - may have been simple, but it was equally refreshing, as Manchester City as a club was reborn.

That season also produced one of the great Manchester derbies of all time, as City - and their new signing Carlos Tevez - lost 4-3 to Sir Alex Ferguson's men after a late late Michael Owen winner. Where'd that extra few minutes come from ref, eh?

5. Umbro (1987-89)

This smart kit is another brilliant Umbro creation, with the shirt featuring a faint, but effective, block-stripe pattern, as well as neat circular badge.

Again, this may not have been a successful period for the club as they played their football in the second tier, yet the 1988/89 season did see them secure promotion back to the First Division.

4. Umbro (1975-76)

The man pictured above is a legend, and this is a legendary kit.

Joe Royle was integral as the team secured the 1976 League Cup, the club's last major honour until the FA Cup success in 2011.

The kit itself features a smart collar and white v-shaped neckline, which compliments the blue shades of the shirt.

3. Nike (2016-17)

While there had been notable successes since 2008, this team - and this kit - signified a new era for the club.

The arrival of Pep Guardiola emphasised the increasing European standing of the club, as the former Barcelona man began to revolutionise the club and English football.

As always, kit manufacturers delivered a smart design that epitomised the new Manchester City, particularly with the creation of the new club crest, which had often been a sore point for City fans.

2. 2015-16

The season before had also produced another masterstroke in terms of kit design.

The signature of the man above was a real statement of intent by the club, and so was the kit.

Much like the 2009/10 incarnation, this jersey went back to basics, but to great effect. The revival of the much-loved collar, as well as the white sleeve trim, culminated in a stylish creation that brought the essence of the 1960s into the modern era.

1. 2011-12

There could only be one winner, right?

Although the kit itself is nothing out of the ordinary, it will remain forever memorable as a reminder of the remarkable 2011/12 season for the club.

With an FA Cup victory under their belts the year before, the club went in search of title success, managing to claw back the lead of their city neighbours, before that mind-boggling end to the season saw the club clinch Premier League triumph on goal difference.

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