Viv Anderson’s decision to part with his football memorabilia has surprised many. His collection includes 120 items, valued at around £150,000, and features his debut England shirt, worn during a 1-0 victory over Czechoslovakia in 1978.
The shirt alone is expected to fetch up to £50,000 at auction. Anderson’s England cap from the same match is valued at £10,000, and his Admiral tracksuit from that historic game could bring in another £2,000.
A winner of 30 England caps, Anderson’s career spanned over a decade at the top level, with highlights including two European Cup victories with Nottingham Forest and a stint at Manchester United.
His time at Forest is represented by a Division 1 League Championship plaque from 1978, estimated to sell for £5,000. His European Cup winner’s medal from 1980 is expected to fetch £15,000.
A player who broke barriers and transformed English football forever.
We’re excited to announce that our auction on October 1st will feature an extensive collection of memorabilia from football legend Viv Anderson, the first Black player to represent England’s national football… pic.twitter.com/38qqTrf40i
— Graham Budd Auctions Ltd (@gbauctionsltd) September 10, 2024
Anderson explained his reasons for the sale, saying, “I’ve had a great career, but the time has come to let these memories go and allow my family to benefit.”
The auction, scheduled for October, will also coincide with Black History Month, adding an extra layer of significance.
Among the other treasures on offer are a Manchester United shirt from the 1990-91 season, valued at £1,500, and an Arsenal shirt from the 1987 Littlewoods Cup final, set to bring in £3,000.
Anderson became Sir Alex Ferguson’s first signing at Manchester United in 1987, and his memorabilia from that era holds considerable value for collectors.
Football fans will also have the chance to bid on shirts Anderson swapped with other international stars, including a Holland jersey from the 1988 European Championships and a Barcelona shirt from 1983. These rare items are likely to attract significant interest.
