OTD E0085 — 24 Jan 1976: The Tyres on the Chest — Kettering Town, Derek Dougan, and the First Shirt Sponsor in England

24 Jan 1976: at Rockingham Road, non-league Kettering Town walk out vs Bath City with “Kettering Tyres” across the shirt — the first sponsor in English football. Derek Dougan’s loophole (“Kettering T”), the FA’s £1,000 threat, and the 1977 rule change that opened the floodgates. From four figure deals to modern brand battles — and why some clubs now go blank on purpose.Tips: [email protected]