In October 2019 we launched this website to allow me to pass on my collection of football memorabilia to people who share my passion for the game. I’m not a trader, or a dealer, just a bloke who has finally decided that the time has come to move my collection on.
I guess it started officially on the 23rd April 1960. That was the day I was taken to my first match, and it set the tone for my life long relationship with Wolverhampton Wanderers. I mean what could be easier? We were already into the FA Cup Final. Victory at home to Tottenham Hotspur would have all but secured a third consecutive league title for us. It would mean a momentous modern-era ‘first’ as Cup and League Double Winners.
We lost!
In front of over 56,000 crammed into Molineux, a goal by the incomparable Peter Broadbent, was cancelled out by goals from Cliff Jones, Bobby Smith and Dave Mackay. At the end of the season, despite still finishing ahead of Spurs, the title went to Burnley.
Perhaps the one programme I’ll never sell, is the one I bought at that game – complete with my 6- year old’s scribbled team changes and scorers. (Other copies are available!)
However, this is not a monologue about the Wolves. I’d quite like you to stay on the site! But it does give me the chance to talk about the other football teams that I have watched regularly, when time or life have stopped me seeing the Wolves.
In an old-fashioned way, I have supported my local teams, wherever I’ve lived – Hornchurch, Dunstable Town, Stockport County and, most recently, as a season ticket holder at Wrexham. No glory hunting in this neighbourhood!
In fact, I have managed to watch games at 71 of the current 92 league clubs and 12 of those who have dropped into the National League or lower.
Football Memorabilia Auctions
I’d never been to a Football Memorabilia Auction before 1996, when the Billy Wright Collection 
came up for sale at Christie’s in Glasgow. It was a wonderful occasion. Wolves fans, local and national journalists and collectors from all over the country, packed into the saleroom. I wanted to buy one of Billy’s England Caps, but my pockets weren’t quite deep enough. Consequently, I bought something of much greater interest and value, particularly for supporters of Irish Football. Jimmy McAlinden’s no.8 shirt form the match v England at Windsor Park in September 1946. Delighted to say it’s gone to a great new home!
For a few years thereafter, I returned to Christie’s on many occasions. I also visited other sales put on by Philips, Mullock and Madeley, Vennett-Smith and a host of others. Each time looking for interest, not necessarily bargains. Looking for the unusual rather than the obvious. You will be the judges of how well I did!
But I picked up more match worn shirts to add the ‘Billy Wright’ one. With the help of a local gallery in Telford, I had them all mounted in solid wood frames. Where possible I added in some supporting memorabilia – programme / photos etc. The shirts are all sold now, however there are many other great framed items which we have been shipping across Europe!
Cards, Autographs and Cake Decorations!
I gathered numerous sets of cigarette cards and silks, autographs, press photos and goodness knows what else! These joined the volumes of Charles Buchan’s Football Monthly, and many other newspapers and magazines from home and abroad. And I’ve uncovered quirky little things like this, which I recall sat on top of my birthday cake aged 6 or 7!
Collecting has been great fun. Now I’m determined to enjoy disposing of the collection, just as much.
I hope you enjoy the site – whether you buy any football memorabilia or not. And do give me a shout if there’s any more information you would like about a particular item. Use the contact form, drop me an email, or give me a call.
Thanks – Jeremy