TODAY Rangers are proud to unveil the Gallant Pioneers kit which celebrates the club’s 150th anniversary and pays tribute to the four young lads who had a dream in 1872.
The stitched crest on the shirt features our first scroll crest which was notably featured on our Season Ticket covers in 1881 when the team were still playing at Kinning Park and gathering nicknames such as “The Moonlighters” due to their commitment to training after dark. This scroll crest, which is now instantly recognisable around the world, is believed by some to have been originally painted by Tom Vallance – a man also of great importance to the formation and early success of Rangers Football Club.
This scroll crest, which delicately and artistically interlocks the club’s initials, also appears on some of the club’s earliest player caps and official documents. The shield which houses the crest has been a consistent feature throughout our history and is perhaps most exemplified via the iconic Archibald Leitch mosaic which greets every supporter who approaches Edmiston Drive.
Developed in close collaboration with Castore, for this special edition kit, our 150th anniversary ribbon which displays “1872” and “2022” has been added underneath the crest.
The shirt features an off-centre, buttoned collar which featured prominently on our first kits within the 1800s.
The outfield kit is a classic white design as a homage to our first team photograph in 1877 whilst the goalkeeper kit is a soft shade of blue, inspired by bluebells.
As an extra special touch, the words “Gallant Pioneers” have been embossed into the fabric to immortalise the great Bill Struth’s quote: “No matter the days of anxiety that come our way, we shall emerge stronger because of the trials to be overcome. That has been the philosophy of the Rangers since the days of the gallant pioneers.”
Rangers would like to warmly thank our partners 32Red, Seko, Utilita, Tomket and Bitci for being part of our anniversary season and for allowing the heritage inspired Gallant Pioneers kit to be sponsorless.
This limited-edition shirt is available now from The Rangers Stores and online and is destined to be a collector’s item for many years to come.
The club are excited to confirm that our teams will take to the pitch in a competitive match wearing the commemorative kit during the season, with more details to follow on this and other initiatives throughout the year.
The launch of the Gallant Pioneers kit has been supported by a unique 150th anniversary season video, ‘’The Legacy of Ready’ developed entirely in-house at Rangers, featuring appearances from a number of modern day first team stars.
Head of Marketing & Design Charlene Shore-Henderson commented: "Rangers are delighted to unveil ‘’The Legacy of Ready’’ video to celebrate 150 illustrious years of our club. The video is an illustration of our past and an inspiration for the future. Built on the vision of the four lads, the club still stands strong on the principles of the gallant pioneers.
Fully designed and developed in-house by the Rangers Marketing & Design team in collaboration with the RangersTV & Digital Media teams. The video celebrates the rich heritage of the club and reveals the kit through the iconic image of the “gallant pioneers” reconstructed to include this season’s men’s first team."
AVAILABLE IN STORE AND ONLINE NOW