Arsenal Unveil 2012/13 Home Kit, Introduce Blue Hoops

Arsenal have unveiled their home kit for the 2012/13 season.

Although the traditional block red body and white sleeves remains unchanged, the new kit introduces a dash more colour, with navy blue hoop detail on the neck, sleeves and socks - inspired by the home socks worn in the 1930s under Herbert Chapman, a Gunners managerial legend. In fact, it was Chapman who introduced the white sleeves on the team's previously all-red kit. Chapman won three league titles and FA Cup, between 1925 and 1934.

Meanwhile, the bigger news was that the new kit was modelled by club captain Robin van Persie, in perhaps the clearest indication the Dutch striker, who has 30 league goals to his name so far this season, could be staying at the club. This may be a bit of a conspiracy theory but the sleeves and socks of the new kit features red, white and blue lining up just like the Dutch flag - an unofficial nod to the captain?

Further details in the shirt include the outer back neck graphic which references the WM formation that Chapman pioneered successfully, along with the inner back graphic which reads "Victoria, Concordia, Crescit" - the club's long-held motto that translates as "Victory through Harmony". The shirt's crest reverts to Arsenal's primary design; the club sported a unique 125<sup>th anniversary version for the 2011/12 season.

Along with the release of the kit came a video of some Arsenal squad members, including van Persie, vice-captain Thomas Vermaelen, Jack Wilshere, Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain and Wojciech Szczesny in action in the new shirt, as well as a gallery of images showing a host of players, including Tomas Rosicky and Theo Walcott sporting the new jersey.

"The players always get excited about trying on kits for the first time, and this one doesn't disappoint. Arsenal is a club with an incredible history and to see this recognised in such a classy and modern kit is brilliant," Arsenal.com quoted Walcott as saying.

The away kit is yet to be revealed but the home kit will be available for fans to buy on 7 June. It can be pre-ordered from the club's stores and online at www.arsenaldirect.com.

Take a look at Arsenal's home strip for the 2012/13 season here:

What do you think of it? And will it see Arsenal win their first trophy in eight seasons?