Viv Anderson, the trailblazing footballer who became the first black player to win a full England cap in 1978, is auctioning off his iconic debut shirt. This piece of football history, which bears the marks and yellowing of age, is now estimated to fetch up to £50,000 at Graham Budd Auctions.
Complete with the Three Lions crest and the Admiral logo, the white jersey was worn by Anderson on a chilly November night at Wembley Stadium, where he played against Czechoslovakia in front of 90,000 fans. Reflecting on that historic night, Anderson recalls the overwhelming pride and privilege of making his international debut.
Overcoming Challenges and Making History
Anderson’s ascent to the top was not without its challenges. Despite being targeted by racist abuse from fans during the 1970s and 80s, Anderson persevered, thanks in part to the unwavering support of his Nottingham Forest manager, Brian Clough. “You can play,” Clough told him, “I wouldn’t pick you if you couldn’t.”
Laurie Cunningham might have been the first black player capped at the under-21 level, but it was Anderson who broke the mold by stepping onto the field for a full international. With his father, Audley, watching from the stands, Anderson played a crucial role in England’s victory that night, helping to set up Steve Coppell’s match-winning goal.
A Career of Remarkable Achievements
Throughout his career, Anderson made 30 international appearances and was part of four World Cup and European Championship squads. His club career included notable stints at Arsenal, Manchester United, Sheffield Wednesday, and a year as player-manager at Barnsley. He later served as an assistant to Bryan Robson at Middlesbrough.
Now, Anderson is auctioning over 100 shirts and medals from his illustrious career. Expected to fetch around £150,000 in total, these items include his debut jersey, which had been displayed at Manchester’s People’s History Museum. The proceeds will provide financial security for his family and support his children’s future endeavors.
Legacy and Reflection
Anderson’s collection highlights a significant era in football history. While he is proud of his contributions to breaking racial barriers in the sport, he emphasizes that his achievements should be remembered for his skill and sportsmanship. “People say what do you want your epitaph to be. It should be ‘he was a good footballer,’” Anderson asserts.
Although he acknowledges the progress made in terms of diversity on the pitch, Anderson is critical of the lack of black representation in management and administrative roles within the sport. “There’s still a lot to do,” he says, expressing his frustration with the slow pace of change.
Looking Forward
Despite the challenges and the slow progress in achieving full inclusivity in football, Anderson’s legacy remains intact. His courage and resilience have paved the way for future generations of black footballers. As he parts with his treasured memorabilia, Anderson knows that the memories and experiences of his groundbreaking career will stay with him forever.
To learn more about Viv Anderson’s historical achievements and the auction, visit Graham Budd Auctions.
FAQs
1. When is the auction taking place?
The auction of Viv Anderson’s memorabilia will be held by Graham Budd Auctions. For specific dates and additional details, please visit their official website.
2. How can I participate in the auction?
Interested bidders can participate in the auction both in person and online. Detailed instructions on how to register and place bids can be found on the Graham Budd Auctions website.
3. What items are included in the auction?
The auction features over 100 items from Anderson’s career, including the historic debut shirt, other match-worn jerseys, and medals. A full catalog of all items is available on the auction site.
4. How much is the debut shirt expected to sell for?
The debut shirt worn by Anderson during his first full England match is estimated to fetch up to £50,000.
5. What will the auction proceeds be used for?
Viv Anderson plans to use the proceeds to provide financial security for his family and to support his children’s future endeavors.
6. Where can I view Viv Anderson’s memorabilia before the auction?
Some of the items, including the debut shirt, had been displayed at Manchester’s People’s History Museum. For current viewing opportunities, contact Graham Budd Auctions for more details.
Conclusion
Viv Anderson’s auction commemorates his remarkable achievements on the football field and highlights his trailblazing role in breaking racial barriers within the sport. As football continues to strive towards greater inclusivity, Anderson’s legacy serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for future generations. By parting with these cherished items, Anderson aims to secure his family’s future, ensuring that his football contributions are remembered for their impact on and off the pitch. For those interested in owning a piece of this extraordinary history, the upcoming auction offers a rare opportunity. Explore the full range of memorabilia and participate in the auction by visiting Graham Budd Auctions.
Note: News source is BBC