CANVEY soccer fans have the chance of a unique Christmas present -- after the Nationwide Conference got shirty with Gulls.

The club dutifully got their yellow and blue first and white third choice strip shirts named and numbered for their first ever campaign at the highest level of the non-league game.

But, when the season started, league officials pointed out that the numbering and lettering didn't conform to Nationwide criteria.

The correct letters and numbers were put on the orange second choice shirts and new regular yellow and blue and white tops have now been ordered that will feature the Conference trademark.

Gulls have decided to sell-off the shirts of the players at £35 a time. There are four for each player -- with and without sleeves and in yellow and blue plus white.

Said secretary Wayne Purser: "We've only just announced this and striker Lee Boylan's four shirts have gone already, plus two of Jeff Minton's.

"The players are quite happy to sign their individual shirt with a special dedication and I can imagine a lot of Canvey fans are going to finish up with a unique Christmas present."

If you are interested in claiming a shirt ring Wayne on 01268 511888 during office hours or see him at the club on training nights or match days.