Century-old Newcastle United FA Cup winning goalkeeper's medal sells for more than £10,000 at auction

A century-old Newcastle United FA Cup winner's medal has sold at auction for more than £10,000.

William Bradley made 133 appearances for Newcastle United between 1914 and 1927, and was part of the squad which won the FA Cup in 1924, securing a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa in the final at Wembley. Though he was the club's second choice behind Sandy Mutch, an injury to the number one meant that Bradley found out he would be starting on the morning of the final - going on to keep a clean sheet.

This week, William Bradley's medal, alongside other match memorabilia and an inscribed pocket watch, sold at an Auction by Anderson & Garland in Westerhope. Following a competitive bidding war both online and via telephone, the hammer prices settled at £7,800 or £10,140, including the buyer's premium.

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The medal was consigned directly by William Bradley's family, who are pleased to see it go to a public home. Mr Bradley's grandson said: "Growing up, I always heard tales about Billy's exceptional performance on the field, including the dramatic save of a penalty. Sadly, I've never been able to find any concrete evidence to validate these stories!

"My grandfather passed away before I had the chance to meet him, but his legend as a Cup hero and local celebrity was a constant presence in my upbringing. Now, as I hand over the medal that has been tucked away since I inherited it, I feel pleased to share it with the world, especially in this centenary year.

"Hearing from my father about how football kept my grandfather largely out of the horrors of WW1, with the army utilizing him for morale-boosting exhibition matches, adds another layer of complexity to his story."

Auctioneers Anderson & Garland say that the FA Cup medal was the highlights of the ports and Sporting Auction held on Thursday, June 27. Other notable sales included a London 2012 Olympic Games Relay Bearer's Torch, which sold for £2,600; and a £2005/6 Newcastle United strip worn by Alan Shearer during a home match and later signed, which sold for £546.

Julian Thompson, director at Anderson & Garland, who sold the medal, said: "The excitement in the room as the hammer came down today was akin to a penalty shootout during a tie-breaking match. We are pleased to have sold this FA Cup medal on behalf of William Bradley’s family and hope the new owner is very happy with their piece of sporting history."