If the link that is doing the rounds on the internet is true then traditionalists like myself will be almost happy with what home shirt we will be playing in next season.

This season's home kit based on the design worn between season 1987/77 & 1979/80 was very popular and from the front looked superb, the only trouble was from the rear it looked awful, it looked like Bolton Wanderers from behind being all white with black shorts and black socks, indeed the primary colour of the shirt was not red at all, it was white.

But if footyheadlines.com are to believed then the home shirt next season will revert to a more traditional red & white striped design.

Sadly the back will not be completely striped, but will feature a solid red upper 2/3 were the number will be displayed and a striped lower 3rd.

Sadly for me the kit is ruined a little by the black collar and sleeve cuffs, all red would be a better nod to our traditional kit but at least we are reverting to the traditional kit that most football fans around the world associate with Southampton FC

Yes we share it with several other big club, but the truth is that the number of teams across the globe who are truly associated with a red & white striped kit are barely into double figures.

Plain blue, red or white kits are ten a penny, football is a game based on traditions, not club colours and the truly great clubs have a kit design and stick to it, Celtic are green & white hoops, would their fans accept green & white stripes, we all know the answer to that, no more that Liverpool would accept red & white stripes or Man Utd red & white hoops.

Iconic football kits are what make a club stand out.

So at least some good news this week if this turns out to be the kit for next season.

Photo: Action Images via Reuters