A football shirt believed to be from a 1970s Derby County v Leeds game which witnessed ‘the greatest fight in English football’ is up for auction – and could spark a battle of its own.
The yellow jersey belonged to Leeds player Trevor Cherry. He scored in the match that took place on November 1, 1975 which Derby won 3-2. But the result – and the goals – have paled into insignificance compared to a feisty punch up between Rams’ legend Franny Lee and Leeds defender Norman Hunter.
Their fight, which took centre stage at the Baseball Ground in Derby, is remembered to this day despite happening 46 years ago. And you don’t have to be a 1970s Derby or Leeds fans to know about it. Such was the boxing-match style action, people all over the world have watched it – and still do. The fight has notched up hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube.
Thanks to its football provenance, the Trevor Cherry shirt could soar past its £700-£1,000 estimate at Hansons Auctioneers on August 24. And though it’s likely to be snapped up by a Leeds fan they will owe its discovery to a Rams fanatic who found it during a summer clear-out.
It belongs to Notty Hornblower, a lifelong Derby County supporter, owner of Hope House Costume Museum in the Peak District village of Alstonefield and Hansons’ vintage clothing consultant.
She said: “I’d forgotten all about it. I found it by chance in July when I was clearing out a haberdashery cabinet. It had been there for donkey’s years. I thought it might be with around £70. I decided to show it to David Wilson-Turner, head of sports memorabilia at Hansons. He said, ‘you better sit down’. When he said it could be worth £1,000 I was gobsmacked.
“I’ve been following Derby County since 1968. Back in the 70s, I knew all the players, wrote a ladies’ column in the Ram, the club’s matchday programme, and ran Belper Junior Rams.
“I won the shirt in a raffle at a sports club event in the 70s, possibly a DCFC supporters’ club night. I remember being told it belonged to Trevor Cherry and had come from that famous game in 1975. Perhaps he left it behind at the Baseball Ground because he was furious about losing the game.”
David Wilson Turner said: “Sadly, we can’t check with Trevor because he passed away in 2020 at the age of 72. But football memories live on and Cherry along with the famous Lee and Hunter fisticuffs will never be forgotten. The shirt is sure to be popular with Leeds fans because Cherry was a club legend. He captained the team and played for them for 10 years from 1972.”
Huddersfield-born Cherry, a defender, captained England once, notched up 27 international caps and also played for Huddersfield Town and Bradford City. He developed a formidable defensive partnership with Norman Hunter, known as ‘Bites Yer Legs’ Hunter. The nickname originated from a banner held up by Leeds fans at the 1972 FA Cup Final against Arsenal.
However, back in 1975, Hunter’s tough reputation didn’t faze Lee – despite him being a foot shorter than the Leeds centre half.
“They started sparring in the first half and it ended up with a massive punch up after Lee and Hunter were sent off,” said David. “Though a brilliant striker, Lee was known for theatrical dives. He holds the English record for the greatest number of penalties scored in a season, a feat which earned him the nickname Lee Won Pen. Consequently, Leeds were outraged when he won a penalty. In the second half, Hunter clattered Lee with a late tackle. Lee retaliated and Hunter swung back with a right hook cutting Lee’s lip.
“Apparently, the cut was so bad Lee could stick his tongue through the gash which required stitches. Both players were sent off but Lee laid into Hunter, knocking him to the ground. Players and officials had to pull them apart.
“There’s always been an intense rivalry between the clubs, stoked up by the legendary Brian Clough who managed both teams. Back in 1975 Leeds were known as ‘Dirty Leeds’ and Hunter was perceived as one of the worst culprits.
“The clash has been dubbed ‘The greatest fight in English football’ on website football7080.com and I have to agree. But rivalry and fisticuffs aside, both players achieved great things.”
Hunter, who sadly died in 2020 at the age of 76, was part of the 1966 FIFA World Cup winning squad. He was the first winner of the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award in 1974 and was included in the Football League 100 Legends.
Lee, 77, played for Bolton Wanderers, Manchester City, Derby County and England. He won League Championship medals with Manchester City and Derby and scored more than 200 goals. In 2010, he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame. After retiring from football, he ran a successful toilet roll business, F.H. Lee Ltd, which made him a millionaire. In 2016 he was awarded a CBE for services to football and charity.
The Trevor Cherry football shirt is due to be sold at Hansons on August 24. To find out more or arrange a free sports memorabilia valuation, email: [email protected].
