Over the years, people have got to know about the collection and have been more than ready to contribute

Delme Owens, Carmarthen Athletic RFC

The club has a unique collection of more than 160 pairs of boots and other memorabilia from a variety of sports - including those of Muhammad Ali and Pele.

The club is hopeful that the Manchester United pair will oblige to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the collection.

Club vice-chairman Delme Owens said: "We have a 'contact' in Manchester who is currently pursuing the matter for us."

The collection was started in 1967 by the late president of the club, Gwynne King Morgan.

The New Zealand All Blacks had been touring in the UK but, because of foot-and-mouth restrictions, could not take their kit back home with them.

Delme Owens holds Muhammad Ali's boots

So Mr Morgan asked second row forward Colin Meads to start things off.

At first, the boots were hung up behind the Cobblers Bar, but now are housed under lock-and-key in purpose-built cabinets and there is a curator to maintain them.

Mr Owens added: "We like to keep them in the condition they were given to us but we do make sure that they are still presentable."

The collection is like a Who's Who of world sport.

Muhammad Ali's boots are the ones he wore when he beat Sonny Liston to win his first world title.

Other football exhibits include donations by John Charles, Sir Stanley Matthews and Franz Beckenbauer.

Confident

Rugby union, with more than 60 pairs on show, forms the bulk of the collection with donations including Gerald Davies (a former Athletic player), Gareth Edwards and Barry John.

Mr Owens said they have not had any refusals so far.

"We want Beckham and Giggs for the youngsters of the club to bring us up to date.

"Over the years, people have got to know about the collection and have been more than ready to contribute.

"We have even refused some donations!"