Tottenham wore several different shirts before they switched to their current white shirt and navy blue shorts at the end of the 19th century, likely influenced by Preston North End, who persuaded them to adopt the same colors. However, since 1961, Tottenham has worn white shorts in European competitions. The rumor is that this change was due to the admiration their then-manager Bill Nicholson had for Real Madrid's success in continental cups. However, the truth is more pragmatic. When Tottenham played their first ever European Cup match, against Polish side Górnik Zabrze in September 1961, they wore all-white kits to stand out better under the floodlights. The first matches under floodlights weren’t played until the mid-1950s, and since then, Tottenham had experimented with various materials to ensure the players were more visible. The tradition of playing in all-white in European competitions continues to this day.
Tottenham wore several different shirts before they switched to their current white shirt and navy blue shorts at the end of the 19th century, likely influenced by Preston North End, who persuaded them to adopt the same colors. However, since 1961, Tottenham has worn white shorts in European competitions. The rumor is that this change was due to the admiration their then-manager Bill Nicholson had for Real Madrid's success in continental cups. However, the truth is more pragmatic. When Tottenham played their first ever European Cup match, against Polish side Górnik Zabrze in September 1961, they wore all-white kits to stand out better under the floodlights. The first matches under floodlights weren’t played until the mid-1950s, and since then, Tottenham had experimented with various materials to ensure the players were more visible. The tradition of playing in all-white in European competitions continues to this day.