ATHLETIC'S new away kit has proven to be a record-breaking hit with supporters - and has been given the seal of approval from a former hero.

Last Thursday, the club unveiled their change kit - which was worn for the first time during Saturday's Premier Sports Cup victory at The Spartans - which was a nod to a popular strip worn in the 1990s.

The shirt, which helps mark 10 years of shirt sponsorship from SRJ Windows, is a modern take on a classic top worn during the 1997/98 campaign, and 500 were sold on Friday's first day of sale.

That is a new club record for the modern era and, due to demand from fans, both in-person and online, the Pars website was taken offline for a period to ensure accurate stock management.

Dunfermline Press:

Online sales resumed later in the day and, with more than half of the initial order sold on day one of release, the club have already started the process of placing a further order to meet demand.

Predominantly black, the strip features gold pinstripes and a gold club badge, which also features on both of Dunfermline's goalkeeping kits this season, in a further nod to strips from that era.

The cuffs on the sleeves, which also feature on the shorts, showcase a design that was on the collar of the iconic Pars third top from 1997/98.

READ MORE: IN PICTURES: Athletic reveal new away kit

It is widely remembered as the kit worn on the final match in front of the terracing at East End, which was against a Celtic side who were seeking a win that would clinch them the Scottish Premier League title.

However, late on in the game, Craig Faulconbridge - who was on loan to the Pars from Coventry City - lopped in a headed equaliser that gave Dunfermline a point, and delayed the Hoops' celebrations for a week.

That goal etched his name into Pars folklore and, in a message to Pars fans, posted on the club's social media, he said: "I've got to say, the new away kit is looking fantastic, a real throwback to the old kit that I remember wearing when I kind of spoiled the party 27 years ago at East End Park.

"Some of the memories from that day are just unreal. Celtic sold out three sides of the stands and it was meant to be their party, their day, and it was just nice to score my first professional goal and change that - at least for one week!

"It's nice to be reminded every year of that day and the special time that I spent with you guys."

Remaining stock of the initial away kit order can be viewed and bought online or in the club shop at KDM Group East End Park.