Ajax currently rank as one of Europes most successful clubs, having won the European cup 4 times, and being one of 3 clubs to have won every trophy on offer by UEFA. Ajax also is 1 of the 3 clubs that dominate Dutch football, along with Feyenoord in Rotterdam, and PSV Eindhoven.

The mid 1960’s Ajax is the team that is commonly accredited for creating the idea of “total football” and the early 1970’s saw the club finally achieve a period of dominance domestically, as well as enjoying European success.

Ajax’ fortunes went in waves, over the next couple of decades, with the late 70’s seeing a decline, the 80’s saw the introduction of players such as van Basten and Reijkaard, with another small decline so in the early 90’s the club rose once more. Culminating in winning the European cup in 1995.

The club itself is named after Ajax, of Greek legend. The hero who was never defeated. The original logo for the club when it was founded was just a picture of a player. A logo incorporating Ajax was introduced in 1928. Then in 1990, a new abstract version was introduced. Using 11 lines to represent the 11 players on the field.

The new logo is seen by some in Ajax’ fan base as the public image of the clubs management style, which they see as somewhat cold, and money orientated.

Beginning life, the club took the colours of Amsterdam. Playing in a red and white striped shirt, with black shorts. Unfortunately, upon promotion to the top league, they come up against  Sparta Rotterdam who played in the same kit. As there was no mandate for “away” kits at the time, the rules said that the new team has to change its kit to avoid any clashes and confusion.

This led to the club opting to switch to white shorts, and keeping the red and white shirt. Though replacing the original stripes with 1 broad red stripe that runs up the middle of the kit!

The kit for a long time, where manufactured by Umbro, with the sponsor, Abn Amro running vertically on the left side of the red stripe, and the clubs logo switching between the centre, and the left side.

Now, the kit is manufactured by Adidas. Notably, the first kit lacked Adidas’ ubiquitous 3 stripes on the sleeves. A small victory for Ajax.

The new Ajax kit however, has been manufactured using Adidas’ “Climacool” technology, and has seen a return of Adidas’ striping over the shoulder. The clubs logo is over on the left side of the chest, and features the clubs new sponsor, Aegon. An insurance and pension company.

On the back of the shirt, located at the nape of the neck, Adidas has stitched in the crest for the city  of Amsterdam.

Paul Woodcock