Could it be an omen that on the day England begin their 2018 World Cup campaign in Russia, memorabilia from the life and career of Sir Alf Ramsey, the only manager to lead his country to glory, comes up for auction?
Gareth Southgate, appointed England manager in 2016 on a four-year deal reported to be worth £1.8million a year, will lead his team out in their opening game against Tunisia on Monday June 18, the hopes of a nation on their shoulders.
But just a few hours earlier, 30 lots will go under the hammer from the estate of the late Lady Victoria Ramsey, Sir Alf’s widow who died in March this year.
And one of the lots expected to attract great interest is a letter confirming Sir Alf’s appointment as England team manager in 1962.
Dated October 26, 1962, the letter, signed by Dennis Follows, the then secretary of the Football Association, confirms Sir Alf’s appointment at an annual salary of £4,500 rising by £100 increments to a maximum of £5,000.
Sir Alf went on to lead his country until 1974, famously making history along the way by leading his England side to victory over Germany at the 1966 World Cup final at Wembley.
Another lot of great interest is a silver and enamel salver presented by the Council of the Football Association in recognition of Sir Alf’s 100th game in charge of England which came in a match against Wales in November 1972.
The sale will also include memorabilia from Sir Alf’s time as manager at Ipswich Town who he led to the Football League Championship title in 1961/62 before becoming England manager.
Other lots included in the sale of Lady Ramsey’s estate, who lived with Sir Alf in Valley Road, Ipswich, include various presentation salvers, monogrammed glasses, napkin rings and tankards.
The sale of Sir Alf Ramsey’s memorabilia is expected to start at about 12noon on Monday June 18 at Clarke & Simpson’s Campsea Ashe saleroom.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here