BOWERS & Pitsea are hoping this will be the season they emulate their success of yesteryear... and have the kit to prove it.

The Essex Senior League side will don red and white stripes this season for the first time in 15 years, replacing the modern day colours of claret and blue.

And Bowers’ long-term fans will remember the 1998/1999 season, and the striped kit, fondly – as they took a league and cup double – the last time they won the Essex Senior League title.

And manager Rob Small is hoping history will repeat itself and, come April, they will be looking back on another title winning season.

“It is nice to return to red and white,” said Small. “It will be nostalgic for the longer-term fans and it looks really smart too. I know Bowers did very well the last time they wore these colours so I aim to do my best to make sure we enjoy more success.

“I want to win. I only ever think about winning and my players know that. I hope we can show our fans that this season.”

The home kit has been donated by Serendipity Nursery, a local company, and will be used alongside the two existing alternate kits, provided by Trophyland.