Umbro are raiding the archive to bring back one of their most iconic pieces, faithfully recreating and rereleasing for the first time ever the drill top worn by Liam Gallagher at the Maine Road Oasis gig in 1996.
There are few moments and items in history that lay claim to being so pivotal in the evolution of modern football culture, but the Umbro drill top worn by Liam Gallagher on that April night at Maine Road would be one of them. This was a time when the worlds of performance wear simply did not cross over with lifestyle wardrobes. But Gallagher went a long way to changing all that. As then story goes, ahead of the gig at Maine Road the Oasis frontman was feeling a bit nippy. With free-reign to explore the stadium he found said drill top and quite fancied it. And the rest is history. At that time, Umbro were already a force in football culture, but this moment blew the doors to culture crossover off their hinges. Now, for the first time in almost 30 years, Umbro are bring back the same drill top, faithfully recreated.
Staying true to its roots, the reissue keeps things authentic — 100 percent cotton drill construction, garment-washed for that lived-in feel, and a relaxed, boxy silhouette that channels serious ‘90s energy. Ribbed collar and cuffs hold their shape like the OG, while contrast hits at the V-neck and forearms keep the visual punch intact. Cut-and-sew panelling, reinforced with twin-needle stitching, locks in durability, and a drawcord hem lets you dial in the fit just right. Signature details like the stacked Diamond embroidery and Pro Training patch round things off with a firm nod to heritage.
Landing alongside the top, Umbro rolls out a full capsule to match — think Drill Pants, Shorts, a T-Shirt and Bucket Hat — all soaked in the same unmistakable palette. A full-circle moment for a timeless piece of football culture.
Helene Hope, Head of Global Brand Marketing at Umbro, said: “The appearance of the Umbro Drill Top on the stage at Maine Road in 1996 was truly iconic. There aren’t many moments in time that can lay claim to shifting the culture of football in such a seismic way. That’s why, after almost 30 years, we’re so pleased to be able to bring the Drill Top back, faithfully recreating the original for fans of both football and music to enjoy once more.”
Shop the Umbro Drill Top at prodirectsport.com/lifestyle
Imagery by Biblehaus.
