Cup winner’s medal from 1924 up for auction
A medal and other items from Newcastle United’s FA Cup triumph 100 years ago are to go under the hammer.
Newcastle goalkeeper Bill Bradley, born in Wardley in Gateshead, had been drafted at the last minute into United’s cup final team against Aston Villa on April 26, 1924.
He had been second choice ‘keeper behind Sandy Mutch during United’s dramatic run to what was only the second final to be played at Wembley.
But just five days before the match, Newcastle had played Villa in the last league game of the season, losing 6-1, and Mutch had been injured. Bradley, who lived for many years in North Shields, went on to play an inspired game as United won 2-0 with goals from centre forward Neil Harris and winger Stan Seymour in what was the first all-ticket final
Now, Bradley’s gold winner’s medal and pocket watch presented to him by the club are to be sold by Newcastle auctioneers Anderson & Garland on June 13.
The lot, which also includes a picture of Bradley shaking hands with the Duke of York before the match, a signet ring, First World War football medal, cuttings and a United club programme of events, is estimated at £5,000-£7,000.
Bill Bradley’s grandson, Don Bradley, said: “Growing up, I always heard tales about Billy’s exceptional performance. His legend as a cup hero and local celebrity was a constant presence in my upbringing. “Now, as I prepare to sell the medal that has been tucked away since I inherited it, I feel it’s time to share it with the world, especially in this centenary year. Another incredible part of the story is that Billy was actually the reserve keeper, drafted in at the very last moment.
“It’s astonishing to think how his performance in that crucial match not only secured the victory but also earned him a regular first-team place thereafter.
“This detail adds even more to the legacy of the medal and the impact it had on my grandfather’s life.”
Fred Wyrley-Birch, director at Anderson & Garland said:”We’re very pleased to have been entrusted by the family of William Bradley to sell this important piece of North East history.”
The Wembley game was known as the “Rainy Day Final” because of the incessant downpour, with fans using their programmes as makeshift head coverings. This has added to the rarity of the programmes, which have reached up to £6,000 at auction,
One of the most striking pictures from the final is of Newcastle Quayside as fans crammed on to the steam ship Bernicia for their journey by sea to Wembley.