Once upon a time, Watford were paragons of mixing and matching, but, in the past few seasons, the club have become a byword for needless changes of kit in the Premier League.
Essentially, the club’s policy is to wear an alternative kit in pretty much every game unless, of course, the opposition’s home kit is the same colour as the Watford away.
The 2017-18 away strip is all-red, though with black and white trim rather than a more pleasing black and yellow, and so obviously couldn’t be worn in the first away game of the campaign, against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on August 19.
As well as red and black striped shirts, the home side also have black shorts and socks, the same as Watford’s first-choice. While shorts clashes are allowed in the Premier League, sock-clashes are not – occasionally, there are exceptions – and so Watford had to find an alternative set.
Interestingly, while the socks chosen were red, they were bespoke pairs with black trim whereas the club’s away set have white trim.
The change suited Watford, as they won 2-0. It’s a look likely to be seen again on the final day of the season at Old Trafford – provided, of course, that Watford are given the right information about Manchester United’s home socks.
