Ghana’s ‘King’ Sir Stanley Matthew’s throne sells for princely £850
A WOODEN tribal throne presented to football great Sir Stanley Matthews when he was hailed unofficial “King of Ghana” has sold at auction for £850.
Ghana’s ‘King’ Sir Stan’s throne sells for princely £850
The carved ceremonial seat was made for Matthews when he played in Africa in 1956.
As the first European Footballer of the Year, he starred in a series of exhibition matches to celebrate the country’s independence – and was mobbed by 80,000 fans.
The man known as the wizard of dribble was named a “soccer chief” and ceremonially crowned.
The throne went under the hammer as part of a collection owned by the star’s daughter Jean Matthews-Gough.
It was an honour to auction these items.
An England cap awarded to Matthews on his final international appearance sold for £3,000.
Born in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Sir Stanley gained legendary status with Stoke City and Blackpool, playing almost 700 games for them, and won 54 England caps before retiring in 1965, aged 50. He died in February 2000.
Sir Stanley on his throne in 1956
Auctioneer Charles Hanson, of Hansons, in Etwall, Derbyshire, said: “From Sir Stanley Matthews’ England cap to his polished leather loafers, it was an honour to auction these items.”