Football shirts worn by three legends of the game are coming up for auction on Thursday (Feb 21) – and they’re sparking major interest among Derby County fans.
Several supporters have visited Hansons Auctioneers in Heage Lane, Etwall, to view shirts worn by Brazilian star Pelé and former Derby County and England players Alan Hinton – nicknamed Gladys – and Kevin Hector.
The Rams stars were firm fans’ favourites in the Derby County glory years of the early 1970s when the club was the best team in the land. They were crowned League Division One champions twice in 1972 and 1975.
A number 11 shirt worn by Alan Hinton during the famous 1971-72 season had been tucked away in a drawer for nearly 50 years.
After being contacted by Hansons via Twitter, Alan said: “I proudly wore that shirt to many victories.”
The owner, who lives near Derby and wishes to remain anonymous, dug it out after reading a story in the Derby Telegraph about a shirt up for auction worn by fellow Rams legend Kevin Hector.
Hector wore the shirt in his final game for DCFC on May 15, 1982 against Watford. Derby won 3-2 and Hector scored one of the goals.
Both shirts are due to be sold in Hansons’ Football in Focus Auction on February 21. Each has an estimate of £800-£1,200. Also up for auction is a Brazil shirt worn by Pelé in 1971. His number 10 shirt, which he signed, features three stars indicating three World Cup wins and has an estimate of £1,500-£2,000.
According to a letter of authenticity with the shirt, Pelé gave it to fellow Brazilian footballer Joao Leithard Neto, known as Kita, in 1971. The signature on the shirt says, ‘Do amigo (friend), Edson Pelé’.
Alistair Lofley, sports valuer at Hansons in Heage Lane, Etwall, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be selling these important football shirts. They bring back great memories of magical times on the pitch and brilliant goals.
“The Alan Hinton shirt is very rare because it wasn’t used for many games. It’s grey with blue trim round the cuffs and collar but the club reverted back to a white shirt fairly quickly.
“The gentleman selling the shirt was only five or six years old when Alan gave it to him. His dad’s friend sponsored the match and Alan handed it to him in the players’ lounge after the game.
“The Kevin Hector shirt is also important because he wore it in his last game for Derby County. Hector was a huge fans’ favourite.”
Signed in 1966 by Tim Ward, Hector, now 74, was a key player under the management of Brian Clough and later Dave Mackay, forming a formidable partnership with John O’Hare. He won two England caps.
Alan Hinton, 76, lives in America but keeps in touch with football fans in Derbyshire via his Twitter account. He was signed by Brian Clough for £30,000 in 1967 and stayed with the Rams until 1975. He also played for England. His nickname at Derby was Gladys, which stemmed from his preference for white football boots and curly blond perm, along with his elegant, non-aggressive style of play.
The shirts will be sold on Thursday, February 21 at Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall. Sporting memorabilia is invited for the next sports auction on May 23. To arrange a free valuation, email [email protected] or call 07863 203377.
