2000 new programmes, books, magazines, trading cards and more
2000 new programmes, books, magazines, trading cards and more
2000 new programmes, books, magazines, trading cards and more have been uploaded to our store.
The majority have been donated to raise funds for the charities that we support. More of that later.
However there are also a good number of programmes that we have acquired. These include some great Irish programmes, in which we have developed a special interest. 
It has taken us a while to curate all these items and for now we can’t yet offer individual images. That’s the next task!
But, as always, if you want images of any of the 2000 new programmes, books, magazines, trading cards, message us and we’ll gladly oblige.
So what have we got?
First big thank you has to go to the amazing Jason Guy – fundraiser extraordinaire! Through his contacts, Jason has delivered over 750 Wolves, Albion, Villa & Walsall programmes for charity.
William (Billy) Sowden
The second amazing thank you goes to Dave & Neil – nephews of the late William (Billy) Sowden. Billy played with distinction for Manchester City in the 1940’s and 1950’s.
He scored the first Manchester City goal under floodlights at Maine Road, a hat-trick against Heart of Midlothian in a friendly in October 1953.
He was one of the first City players to own a car, offering lifts to supporters attending Maine Road.
During November 1954, he transferred to Football League Third Division North side Chesterfield for a fee of £1,500.
In his first season for the club he finished as second-highest scorer behind George Smith. He scored 14 goals in 24 matches. In the 1955-1956 season he played in all but one game and scored 32 goals. This remains a post-war record haul in a season by a Chesterfield player.
Amongst the William Sowden Collection, are wartime league; central league and 1st division programmes from Billy’s time at City.
His Chesterfield career took him to some great grounds in the old 3rd Division North as well as the likes of Boston United; Bradford Park Avenue and Manchester United.
After a season at Stockport County, Billy played non-league with Altrincham and then returned to the family’s bakery business in Stockport.
Amongst the 2000 new programmes, books, magazines, trading cards are 1940’s local league handbooks from Billy’s collection, as well as some fascinating 1940’s Manchester United items.
Also included are two folders containing hundreds of signed photos of cricketers from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Similarly there is a folder of horse racing memorabilia with autographs of many well known Jockey’s and Trainers from the same era.
Other big thank you’ s
The next thank you goes to Sonja & Charlie who have already contributed an astonishing 1300 programmes to us. The latest donation brings up to date full seasons of Manchester United home programmes to season 2021/2022. 
Craig Brisley sent in nearly 250 programmes from the 60’s through to 2018. Lot’s of Arsenal, Queens Park Rangers and Big Match Programmes here. Nick Gough added some more QPR for us as well.
Neal Matthews collection from the East Midlands also arrived. Represented here are Mansfield Town; Arnold Town and the now defunct Eastwood Town. A great selection of Football Books, old and new were also donated. As were numerous cigarette and trading cards from the 30’s up to date.
A Short Time Out!
So, it’s taken a while to get these 2000 new programmes, books, magazines, trading cards and more into the store.
Next we want to upload an image of every item to give a much better idea of what’s on offer.
So for the time being, were taking a break from new donations. But thanks to those of you who have agreed to hang on to your programmes into 2023 to help us out!
We really appreciate that.
Once we’ve given the scanner a good bashing, we’ll be back to you to arrange to collect them
Thank you to everyone who has purchased from us during 2022.
Hope these 2000 new programmes, books, magazines, trading cards and more give you some more exciting options.
Have a great Christmas and a trouble free 2023
Jeremy