United legend’s football shirts go under hammer
THE personal collection of a Newcastle United goalscoring powerhouse who made football history is to be sold at auction.
George Robledo, born in Chile, made 166 appearances for United, scoring 91 goals, after arriving at St James’ Park with younger brother Ted, a midfielder.
They were the first brothers to play for Newcastle, and the first South Americans to play professional football in Britain. George won 31 caps for Chile and played in the 1950 World Cup finals in Brazil while Ted earned nine caps, Both played in the Newcastle 1952 FA Cup final team.
Last week, a commemorative plaque to George and Ted Robledo was unveiled at the house they lived in at Fenham in Newcastle. The ceremony was attended by George’s daughter Elizabeth, who had travelled from her home in Chile.
She brought with her George’s memorabilia collection from his Newcastle days, which will now be sold on May 25 by sports specialist Graham Budd Auctions.
“It is a wonderful collection,” said Graham.
The top items in the sale are the black and white No 10 shirts worn by George in the 1951 and 1952 FA Cup finals.
George’s jersey from the 1952 match, when he scored the only goal of the game against Arsenal to retain the cup for Newcastle, is estimated at £6,000£8,000.
The shirt from the 1951 final, when two goals from Jackie Milburn saw United beat Blackpool 2-0, is rated at £4,000-£6,000.
George kept his menu and invitation from the Lord Mayor of Newcastle to a dinner to honour the 1951 FA Cup winning team.
The eight-page menu back cover is signed by members of United’s team, including Harvey, Robledo, Cowell, Taylor, Corbett, Walker, Brennan, and Bob Stokoe. Estimate £150-£250.
George’s efforts in the 1952 final were voted by the Sporting Record publication as performance of the week, for which Robledo was presented with an inscribed Ronson chrome lighter.
It is accompanied by a photograph of him using the Ronson to light a cigarette. £300-£500.
The trophies given to George for the two Charity Shield games which followed the FA Cup wins are also on offer,
Newcastle played Spurs at White Hart Lane in the 1951 Charity Shield, losing 2-1. George’s silvered plaque mounted on an oak back is valued at £400-£600.
In the 1952 Charity Shield, Newcastle met Manchester United at Old Trafford, and lost 4-2. The silver shield presented to George is estimated at £500-£700.
George wore a trademark white wristband. A white wristband, with a player profile card featuring Robledo wearing a similar wristband, is priced at £200-£300.
In 1952 Newcastle embarked on a tour of South Africa, with George scoring seven goals in a match against Border Province.
The tour itinerary booklet and a Newcastle United v South Africa souvenir programme, played at Durban, are among a batch of items also including the 1951 FA Cup Final programme, the Evening Chronicle and Newcastle Journal souvenir programme for the match, and the Newcastle United 1955 Cup Final souvenir programme. £250£350.
An assemblage of personal items, rated at £300-£500, includes a studio portrait of George, initialled leather passport holder, Parker pen bearing initials for George Robledo; silver-plated and bakelite award presented to George Robledo from members of Old Hall Social Club in Benwell in 1951, a World Cup Willie 1966 souvenir handkerchief; England 1966 World Cup Champions commemorative medal, and a collection of enamelled football lapel pins.
A selection of Newcastle United team and management photographs dating from 1949-50 to 1952-53 includes six individually mounted photographs of Newcastle teams, Newcastle United action shots and one of Joe Harvey receiving the 1951 FA Cup from King George VI. £200-£250.
A collection of Newcastle press pictures comprising of match play and action shots, is £250-£350.
At the Fenham plaque unveiling, Elizabeth said: “Newcastle United meant everything to my father, my family and my uncle Ted too.”