How a conflict and a brave decision changed Liverpool into the Reds
The Liverpool Football Club was only sometimes adorned in the red colour that has come to represent the club today. Their story starts in blue—Everton blue, to be exact. Everton's home games were held at Anfield, a stadium owned by the local merchant John Houlding, who later built Liverpool in the late 1800s.
Houlding's mounting rent demands caused a conflict with Everton's board, which resulted in Everton moving to Goodison Park across Stanley Park. As a result, Houlding was left without a team to occupy its vacant stadium. Thus, Liverpool Football Club was established in 1892, giving Anfield a new meaning and, eventually, a new hue.
Liverpool was not at all like the Reds we know now when they first took to the pitch. Digging amid Everton's debris, Houlding discovered the worn-out blue and white outfits they had left behind. These throwaway outfits are Liverpool's first official jersey, a far cry from the iconic red that currently symbolises the team.
Liverpool wore blue and white uniforms similar to Blackburn Rovers for four seasons. The team was called the Anfielders, a reference to their new location, rather than the Reds.
With the conclusion of the 1895–1896 season, a phase of time ended, and a new one began. When Everton switched to royal blue outfits, Houlding saw a chance to set his young team apart from their competitors. He bought Liverpool red jerseys, which would permanently alter the team's identity.
The 1896 season saw the introduction of the new red jerseys, which were worn with white shorts. Although the team's debut game in the new jersey ended in a 2-0 loss against Bolton Wanderers, the foundation for a legendary legacy was laid.
For over 70 years, Liverpool's kit consisted of red shirts, white shorts, and black or white socks. The club's signature all-red jersey was introduced in the middle of the 20th century.
The renowned manager Bill Shankly was the driving force behind this change. Always seeking the advantage, Shankly decided to try something new in February 1965. He thought that having an all-red outfit would affect opponents psychologically in addition to making a statement.
In Shankly's straightforward worldview, red denotes strength and danger. When the legendary Liverpool captain Ronnie Yeats received red shorts from him, Shankly told him, "You look awesome, terrifying." Ever since the players adopted the new style, Liverpool has worn all-red.
Steven Gerrard, a Liverpool legend
Shankly's audacious decision paid off, and Liverpool's all-red jersey represented the team's increasing might. The colour red had become an integral part of the club's identity; this change had happened almost accidentally but was strengthened by Shankly's vision.
Liverpool may have continued to wear their original blue and white jersey if Everton had not switched to royal blue. However, destiny, rivalry, and a string of audacious choices transformed Liverpool into the Reds—a club whose uniform now intimidates rivals everywhere.
Remember the road leading to Liverpool's arrival the next time you watch them in their recognisable all-red uniform on the pitch. It's a tale of rivalry, tenacity, and how colour can define a team's identity.
