Stevenage FC marks 50 years with a shirt museum display

Stevenage FC has reached its 50th anniversary, and its 200-plus shirts now headline a new museum exhibit. The Hertfordshire club’s history unfolds in the town’s museum through jerseys spanning five decades, many loaned from Stevenage Lewis Collins’ personal collection.

The display opened this week with an event attended by the mayor, local politicians, and former players from across the decades. Collins, who provided many of the shirts, spoke to Three Counties Radio about the club’s journey since its 1976 launch.

What the shirts reveal about Stevenage’s past

The exhibit traces every era of Stevenage FC kits, from its early days in the United Counties League to its current League One status. Visitors see promotion shirts from 2010 and 2012, the 2012-13 FA Trophy triumph, and even the 2019-20 League Two loan spell.

Collins began collecting in the 1990s and now owns one of the largest private archives of Stevenage memorabilia. His collection anchors the exhibit, charting kit design trends, sponsor shifts, and the club’s rise through non-league football.

Why the museum display matters locally

The exhibit goes beyond nostalgia. It highlights how Stevenage FC built its reputation from the lower tiers to become a Football League staple. Key milestones include the 2010 promotion to the Conference Premier, the 2012-13 FA Trophy win, and the 2020 return to League Two.

Local figures see the display as a link between generations. The mayor attended the launch, calling it an opportunity to honour the club’s impact on the town. Former players from the 1980s and 2000s also shared memories with younger supporters.

What’s next for Stevenage

Last season ended with Stevenage 6th in League One on 75 points from 46 games, though it trailed Lincoln by 28 points. The side scored 49 goals and conceded 46, leaving a narrow +3 goal difference.

The next fixture arrives in February 2027 at Luton, where Stevenage will meet a 7th-placed opponent. The museum exhibit offers a moment to look back before the new season begins.

Stevenage FC’s 50-year shirt display is open now at the town museum.