The mancityfans.net football forum

Does anyone know WHY we use squad numbers these days rather than 1-11? We still talk about having traditional no9s or 10s and when I was a kid it was always exciting to sign a decent player and look forward to seeing what number they would have. Also it was a good indication of where they would actually be suited to playing on the pitch (obviously). I hate all this crap with squad numbers, its crap and I cant see what purpose it serves.

Among other reasons Lee its probably got something to do with selling replica shirts with names and numbers on them.

I suppose two people standing at the bar wearing shirts with number nine on both but two different names would look a bit daft.

It came with the Premier League, Lee, and it is a million miles better in recognising players. When you take into account IBH thought Richards was crap at Bolton (wasn't it?), when he wasn't even on the field, any help in identifying players is welcome! Also much easier for refs, TV, and of course selling shirts.

When the Premier League was proposed the majority of us thought these ideas would kill football, but in fact English football has prospered exponentially. Stick with it.

Makes sense I guess. Still, not sure I like it :) Sorry for the late response too!