United don't have colour of success

Aug 1 2008 by Luke Benedict, The Journal

NEWCASTLE United may not be in the purple in away games this season. Colour experts have cast doubt on the choice of the imperial-coloured kit in the quest for success.

While the royal regalia might be suitable for King Kev, the analysts say it might not be the colour of champions.

Angela Wright, founder of London firm Colour Affects, said purple was associated with nobility, flair and creativity.

But she said those traits might not transfer into success on the field.

Miss Wright said: “It isn’t really appropriate as a colour for a football shirt. It brings out a contemplative, spiritual side. They’ll be meditating in the changing rooms before they even get on the pitch.”

Miss Wright said the primary effect of a colour on the psyche of players was emotional, rather than physical stimulation.

And she claimed the choice of away strips in previous seasons could help explain Newcastle’s trials and tribulations on the pitch. Last year, the club played in a baby blue kit, taking maximum points from just three games as they finished 12th in the table.

The expert’s verdict was: “Last year’s baby blue strip may have helped intellectual concentration, but it wouldn’t have encouraged physicality in the side.”

And Miss Wright was also none too keen on the maroon strip from the season before, claiming the “highly secretive” quality of the colour could have inhibited the players. But her analysis of the club shirts showed it was no surprise Newcastle recorded a 7th place finish in the 05/06 season.

She said: “The vertical dark turquoise stripes of the away strip are associated with money and finance. You instinctively recognise you are not going to starve.”

Newcastle fans were offered a ray of light for next season by Plymouth University biological sciences expert Professor Martin Attrill, although from a source they might not relish.

Purple is a mix of blue and the red worn by bitter rivals Sunderland. And Prof Attrill’s research shows red to be more associated with success, meaning Newcastle could benefit.

His studies showed that not only have the red-shirted teams of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United dominated English football, but that red Olympic kits also defeat those in blue.

Prof Attrill has found the colour provokes feelings of “aggression and dominace” in those who wear it.