West Bromwich Albion kit manager Dave Matthews is offering a major part of his collection through one of the UK’s leading sporting auctioneers, Mullock Madeley. The collection is to be auctioned on Wednesday, December 4, on home turf at The Hawthornes. Matthew’s collection will sit aside a Bobby Moore 1966, World Cup final collection.

Dave Matthew’s began his collection when he left school and joined the club in 1961.

His life with the club so far spans 23 managers and some of football’s greatest names, including Bobby Robson, Ronnie Allen, Ray Barlow and Jeff Astle, to name but a few. Says Dave: “I have worked under some great managers, my first being Gordon Clarke and the present day manager being Gary Megson.”

The roller-coster of football has taken Dave on travels to countries throughout the world, America, Hong Kong, Kuwait and across Europe. “We have had our good year’s and the not so good ones too,” Dave acknowledges, flicking through programmes, each of which has it’s own unique story to tell.

Depicting the fascinating history of the club, there are programmes for sale dating back to 1907/08 Albion versus Clapton Orient. Says auctioneer, John Mullock, “This is a fan or collector’s dream oasis. We have programmes from the 1940s and from every decade thereafter.”

The 1968/9-season programme for the FA Cup Winners against the European Cup Winners, West Brom V Manchester United has autographs to team sheets for both sides.

“We have a fantastic 1931 menu from West Brom’s Town Hall dinner, in recognition of the team’s unique double winning of the FA Cup and gaining promotion to the first division, again this is autographed by the 12 players. Dave’s collection also includes calendars from 1938 to 1940, champagne and a number of shirts.”

Among the highlights must be the 1968 WBA match worn FA Cup final no 9 shirt with embroidered Throstle, Wembly 1968 badge and autographed by Jeff Astle. The shirt was worn by Jeff during the first half of the final and later given to David.

Dave admits: “It’s going to be a big wrench to see it all go, but it seemed silly to have it stored in draws when it should be out giving others enjoyment.”