Boots worn by Sir Stanley Matthews up for auction

Sir Stanley would often leave bits of kit

A pair of football boots worn by Sir Stanley Matthews in the 1953 FA Cup final are to be sold at auction.

The football legend, known for his dribbling skills and nicknamed "The Wizard of Dribble", helped Blackpool to a 4-3 victory over Bolton Wanderers.

He gave the muddied boots to one of his most ardent fans, Wilf Coomer, after the historic match and they have been unearthed recently.

The boots will go up for auction at Bonham's in Chester.

His daughter, Jean Gough, said she was pleased they had come to light and hopes they will be bought by a museum so they can be on public display.

'Triumphs and travels'

"I remember the FA Cup final as if it was yesterday, being stood down in Wembley watching my dad play.

"When I think about it I always get a little bit emotional about it, I was only 14 that day.

"I have kept a scrapbook about my dad's triumphs and his travels.

Sir Stanley Matthews is regarded as one of England's greatest ever players

"He wasn't really bothered about memorabilia, he didn't worry about it so I am sure he would have been happy to give Wilf his boots.

"He was always on the go, travelling to various games and leaving various bits of kit everywhere."

Mrs Gough set up a charity, the Stanley Matthews' Foundation, following her father's death.

More than 4,000 children have been supported by the organisation, which aims to help youngsters succeed in sport.

One of the most famous players of his generation, he represented his country 54 times.

In 1964 Sir Stanley became the first player to be knighted. He died in 2000 aged 85.

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