Sir Bobby Charlton's boots (a Daily Express prize in 1973) sell for £1.3k
THE BOOTS Sir Bobby Charlton wore in his last Manchester United season have been sold – 40 years after being won by a Daily Express reader.
Colin Whitelegg won the boots in 1973 in a readers’ competition to suggest which obscure, young league player might have the talent to replace Sir Bobby as a striker in a national side which had scored only three goals in its failed bid to qualify for the 1974 World Cup.
He picked Trevor Francis and gave an explanation which was chosen by a Daily Express panel of experts.
After having lent the boots to the Manchester United museum for 15 years Colin, now 71, has sold them at auction – and banked £1,350.
Last night Colin, of Timperley, Manchester, said: “Bobby Charlton was my idol so I was delighted when the Daily Express gave me those very special boots.
“I was also given a season ticket for a year which I renewed and did so for 37 years.
“I decided to sell the boots so others could hold them and feel the history like I did.”