Jimmy Greaves to sell his World Cup winner’s medal
LONDON: Jimmy Greaves, one of the most controversial members of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad, is to auction the medal fans campaigned for him to receive for more than 40 years.
Greaves, 74, who did not play in the final, is selling his winner’s medal, five years after he received it. Another piece of history for sale is Sir Stanley Matthews’ FA Cup medal, won with Blackpool in 1953. The medals are being sold in a sporting memorabilia sale at Sotheby’s in London.
Greaves missed out on a medal because – until the 1974 World Cup – only the 11 winning players on the pitch at the end of the final received the award.
The prolific goalscorer, who played for Tottenham at the time of England’s World Cup triumph but also starred for Chelsea and West Ham, had been injured early in the tournament and lost his place.
A campaign led to football’s governing body FIFA changing its mind in 2007, paving the way for England’s reserves – and those from other World Cups – to be honoured. Greaves and the other non-playing squad members were presented with their medals by then Prime Minister Gordon Brown in 2009.
The 18-carat medal, a 5cm (2in) gold disc that comes in a wooden case and with a signed letter of authenticity from Greaves, who became a TV pundit after retiring, could raise up to £50,000.
Sir Stanley’s medal – from the FA Cup final that became known as the Matthews Final – was bought in 2001 by comedian and Stoke City fan Nick Hancock for £20,000 but is expected to fetch £60,000. Matthews was 38 years old when he won the FA Cup with Blackpool in 1953
A World Cup winner’s medal for sale for the second time is that belonging to England’s 1966 left back Ray Wilson. Wilson sold his medal in 2002 for £80,000, and it is now expected to fetch up to £120,000.
Other lots include a First Division Championship medal won by Ray Kennedy with Liverpool in 1981-82 and a seat from the old Wembley Stadium.
Two former Manchester United goalkeepers are also selling medals.
Jimmy Rimmer, who was reserve in Manchester United’s 1968 European Cup triumph is selling his medal, while United legend Alex Stepney – who kept Rimmer out of that team – is selling a Second Division title medal he won with the club in 1974-75.
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