Ideas are needed to develop the memorabilia collection

Liverpool City Council's Record Office, and the Everton Collection Charitable Trust have bid for lottery money to buy the collection from its current owner.

It has been described as the world's most comprehensive football archive.

Supporters can share their ideas at Central Library in Liverpool city centre on 11 January.

The Everton collection currently belongs to Dr David France and more than �350,000 of the �800,000 needed to purchase the archive has been raised via donations from Everton Football Club and Lord Grantchester.

The outstanding amount needed to complete the purchase will come from the Heritage Lottery Fund - providing the bid is successful.

The archive includes more than 6,000 programmes, player contracts, League Championship medals and even the tender to build Anfield - home to Everton before Liverpool Football Club were formed.

The collection is said to be an amazing insight into football history

There are also medals presented to players including Dixie Dean, season tickets, photographs, handbooks and financial statements.

David Stoker, Liverpool Record Office Manager, said they were at a crucial stage in putting together the bid for Heritage Lottery money.

"We need input from local people to demonstrate that there is a wide appeal for this collection," said Mr Stoker.

"It is an amazing insight into the history of football in Liverpool and the Football League, so will be of interest not just to Everton FC fans but also to anyone with an interest in sport and history."