Everton footballing legend's medals go under hammer

Everton FC legend Dixie Dean described Cliff Britton as the best crosser of the ball he played with. Britton made 242 appearances for the club and also played nine times for England. He went on to manage Everton between 1948 and 1956, and later Hull City.

The FA Cup Winners medal awarded after the team’s 3-0 victory against Manchester City, is expected to fetch between £3,000 and £5,000, while other medals, being auctioned on Sunday morning at Beverley Racecourse, include a Hull City 3rd Division 1965/66 Championship Medal awarded to him as manager (estimate £800-£1,200). Auctioneer John Hawley, ex Hull City and Leeds striker, says Mr Britton made a “massive impression” when he trained at Hull City as a youngster. He is expecting Everton to put in a bid and hopes Hull City will.

He said: “Dixie Dean said his passing was so accurate that when he needed to head the ball, Cliff Britton made sure the lace (on the football) was on the right side. Obviously Everton, which has a museum is very interested. There were lots of kids of my era who came through and became professional football players and a lot of that is down to Cliff Britton.”