A historic championship triumph and one of the most controversial kit changes in British football define the Cardiff City 2012–13 Home Retro Football Jersey. During the 2012–13 season, Cardiff City achieved their long-awaited return to England's highest division, finishing champions of the Football League Championship under manager Malky Mackay. The Bluebirds collected 87 points from 46 matches, recording 25 victories and scoring 72 league goals to finish eight points ahead of runners-up Hull City.
The achievement marked Cardiff City's return to the top flight for the first time since 1962, ending more than five decades outside England's highest level. The championship-winning campaign was built on defensive organisation, consistent performances and contributions from an experienced squad featuring several established internationals.
Welsh forward Craig Bellamy returned to his hometown club in the summer of 2012, bringing valuable experience and attacking quality. His presence added considerable significance to Cardiff's promotion campaign, making him one of the most recognisable figures associated with the season.
Midfielder Peter Whittingham continued to demonstrate his exceptional passing, vision and technical ability, contributing eight Championship goals. Icelandic international Aron Gunnarsson also scored eight league goals, combining physical strength with important midfield contributions. Heiðar Helguson provided experience in attack, while Craig Noone supplied pace and creativity from the wing.
Captain Mark Hudson played a central role in Cardiff's defensive organisation, supported by Ben Turner, Andrew Taylor and Matthew Connolly. Goalkeeper David Marshall provided reliability throughout the campaign, helping the team establish the defensive consistency required to secure the championship.
The home jersey is particularly memorable because of Cardiff City's controversial 2012 rebranding. For more than a century, the club had been closely associated with blue home shirts, earning the famous nickname The Bluebirds. However, the club introduced a predominantly red home design for the 2012–13 season, accompanied by a redesigned crest featuring a prominent red dragon.
The shirt features a striking red foundation with contrasting dark detailing across the upper chest, creating a distinctive appearance that separates it from Cardiff's traditional blue designs. The redesigned club crest reflects the visual identity introduced during the rebranding, while the Visit Malaysia sponsor appears prominently across the front.
Although the change of colours divided supporters, the red home shirt became permanently associated with one of the club's greatest modern achievements. Cardiff secured promotion to the Premier League while wearing this controversial design, creating a unique connection between the shirt and the team's championship-winning success.
The Cardiff City 2012–13 Home Retro Football Jersey represents an extraordinary chapter in Welsh football history. Combining Craig Bellamy's emotional hometown return, Peter Whittingham's midfield brilliance and Cardiff City's historic Championship triumph, this distinctive red shirt remains a memorable collector's piece celebrating the season that brought Premier League football to the Welsh capital.
Please refer to the size guidance on this product page for detailed measurements.
Cardiff City 2012–13 Home Jersey
Buy 4 selected tops & save 20% · Buy 2 items & save 10%
Size Guidance (Retro Jersey)
Size Chest (in) Length (in) Height (in) Weight (kg) S 39 28 65–67 55–60 M 41 28 67–69 60–70 L 43 29 69–71 70–80 XL 44 30 71–75 80–90 2XL 46 31 75–79 90–100 Note: All sizes are for reference only. Manual measurement may result in an error of ±1 inch.
IN BETWEEN SIZES?
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TOP FIT
If your body measurements for chest and waist result in two different suggested sizes, order the size from your chest measurement.
Season Information
Information Details Season 2011–12 Club Birmingham City Football Club Country England Competitions Football League Championship, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Europa League Championship Position 4th – Qualified for the Promotion Play-offs Championship Points 76 League Record 46 matches, 20 wins, 16 draws, 10 losses Goals Scored / Conceded 78 / 51 Championship Play-offs Semi-finals – Eliminated by Blackpool, 3–2 on aggregate FA Cup Fifth Round – Eliminated by Chelsea after a replay League Cup Third Round – Eliminated by Manchester City UEFA Europa League Group Stage – Third in Group H Manager Chris Hughton Captain Stephen Carr Home Stadium St Andrew's League Top Scorer Marlon King – 16 goals All-Competition Top Scorer Marlon King – 18 goals Key Players Marlon King, Chris Burke, Nikola Žigić, Nathan Redmond, Curtis Davies, Keith Fahey, Jean Beausejour, Stephen Caldwell Kit Type Home Primary Colour Royal blue Secondary Colour White Design Predominantly royal-blue shirt with a simple, traditional appearance and subtle contrasting trim Front Sponsor RationalFX Kit Variations Both sponsored and sponsorless versions were available during the season Historical Significance Birmingham City's first season following their 2011 League Cup triumph, featuring European football and a Championship promotion challenge The 2011–12 season was a remarkable campaign for Birmingham City under newly appointed manager Chris Hughton. Following relegation from the Premier League, the Blues competed in the Championship while also participating in European football for the first time in decades. Birmingham finished fourth with 76 points, securing a place in the promotion play-offs before narrowly losing to Blackpool in the semi-finals. The team also reached the UEFA Europa League group stage, finishing just one point behind the qualifying positions. Marlon King led the club's goalscoring with 18 goals across all competitions, while Chris Burke and Nikola Žigić played important roles in an eventful season.
Rec. Player Printing Options
For the Birmingham City 2011–12 Home Jersey, authentic Football League Championship player names and squad numbers are recommended. The following combinations correspond to players who represented Birmingham during the 2011–12 campaign.
Best Printing Choice: KING 9
Other Strong Options: BURKE 7 / ZIGIC 19 / REDMOND 22 / DAVIES 24 / FAHEY 18
Printing Recommendation KING 9 Best Choice – Marlon King finished as Birmingham City's leading goalscorer with 16 Championship goals and 18 across all competitions. The strongest season-specific printing option. BURKE 7 Attacking Star – Chris Burke was one of Birmingham's most influential players, contributing goals, creativity and consistent performances throughout the promotion challenge. ZIGIC 19 Memorable Striker – Nikola Žigić scored 11 Championship goals, including all four in Birmingham's 4–1 victory over Leeds United in January 2012. REDMOND 22 Emerging Talent – Nathan Redmond was an exciting young winger who established himself in the first team and scored seven goals across all competitions. DAVIES 24 Defensive Leader – Curtis Davies was a key figure in Birmingham's defence, combining physical presence with important goals from set pieces. FAHEY 18 Midfield Quality – Keith Fahey contributed technical ability, work rate and creativity during Birmingham's Championship and European campaigns. DETAILED RECOMMENDATION
We recommend KING 9 as the best printing choice for the Birmingham City 2011–12 Home Jersey. Marlon King was the club's leading goalscorer during a demanding campaign, scoring 16 Championship goals and 18 across all competitions. His finishing ability and attacking contributions helped Birmingham secure fourth place and reach the promotion play-offs.
BURKE 7 is an outstanding alternative, celebrating one of the team's most consistent attacking performers. Chris Burke's creativity, crossing and direct running made him a particularly influential player during the season.
ZIGIC 19 offers strong historical appeal, especially because of his extraordinary four-goal performance against Leeds United.
For younger supporters and collectors interested in emerging talent, REDMOND 22 is another excellent choice, representing the early career of a future England international.
For direct association with Birmingham's goalscoring achievements, KING 9 remains the preferred selection.
