England's first black player Viv Anderson auctions off the shirt and cap from his Three Lions debut... (original) (raw)

England's first black player Viv Anderson auctions off the shirt and cap from his Three Lions debut as part of memorabilia collection set to fetch more than £100,000

Published: 14:55 EST, 18 September 2024 | Updated: 14:55 EST, 18 September 2024

Viv Anderson is selling the England shirt and cap from his international debut as part of a collection of memorabilia expected to fetch more than £100,000.

Anderson became the first black player to represent England when he made his debut against Czechoslovakia in 1978.

He was a defender at Nottingham Forest at the time and went on to play for Arsenal, Manchester United and Sheffield Wednesday among others before his retirement in 1995. He won a total of 30 England caps.

Anderson, 68, is also selling his European Cup winners' medal from 1980 and a championship plaque from Forest's title win in 1978 as part of a collection to be sold next month by Graham Budd Auctions.

'All I've ever wanted to do is play football,' said Anderson. 'I've worked hard, had a great career and I'm glad to have inspired people along the way.

Former England star Viv Anderson is auctioning off items from his Three Lions debut

Anderson's first cap for the Three Lions came in a friendly against Czechoslovakia in 1978

He is selling the cap from the match as well as his jersey in a collection worth over £100,000

Anderson revealed he is offloading the assorted memorabilia for the benefit of his family

'The time has come to sell some of the wonderful memories of my time as a professional footballer - I'd like to see my family benefit, and I hope some of the items will be shared around the world for people to enjoy.

'Ahead of Black History Month, it's important to remember that black players so often had to fight to get to, and stay in, their position, and this memorabilia is a part of that history.'