When England won the World Cup in 1966, Bert Patrick, the owner of Cook & Hurst Ltd, commenced manufacturing and marketing football kits.

Through its connection with Leeds United, Admiral pioneered the introduction and development of the replica kit market in the UK.

[7] Realising the potential of the replica kit market, Admiral brokered a deal with the Football Association in 1974 to produce the first commercially available England shirt that featured a sportswear manufacturers logo.

[10] However, the 1980s marked a period of decline for the Admiral brand, as it began to lose the contracts with the major clubs to domestic rival Umbro and new international entrant Adidas.

Even though Admiral still held the England kit contract, one of the most valuable in the world[citation needed], the company was declared bankrupt in 1982.

The brand reappeared on the market for the 1983–84 season producing the same double pinstripe design for both Leicester City and Notts County.

Admiral entered the 1990s well placed to build upon its widespread recognition and continued to supply clubs including Dynamo Kyiv, Southampton, Middlesbrough, Bradford City, Charlton Athletic, Wimbledon, Hearts, Motherwell, Rangers, Partizan Belgrade and many more.

In 2022 Admiral entered into a long-term partnership with ProDirect Sport, becoming the exclusive supplier of cricket and football teamwear throughout the UK and Ireland.

[22] The shirt was widely regarded as one of the best kit launches of the year and eventually won the D&AD Wood Pencil for Printed Graphics [23] Following the success of multiple Music partnerships Admiral and Bob Marley launched a special release in connection with the Bob Marley: One Love reissuing the iconic tracksuit worn during the Battersea Park football matches.