A Newcastle United shirt worn by Alan Shearer and signed by Kevin Keegan and the club's 1996-97 squad is to be auctioned. The match-worn shirt was presented to Police Match Commander Peter Durham QPM following Newcastle's fixture against Leeds United on January 1 1997, marking his final match in charge.
Shirt Presentation and Provenance
The shirt had been worn by Shearer during the previous Boxing Day fixture and was subsequently signed by the team's players and management, including manager Kevin Keegan. The presentation took place after the Leeds United game, with Durham having overseen match-day policing during one of the most exciting periods in the club's modern history.
The provenance is supported by a collection of photographs showing the presentation, along with three pages of notes documenting the story behind the gift and providing authentication.
Estimated Value and Auction Details
The shirt is estimated at £4,000-£5,000 in Hansons Auctioneers' November Sporting Sale. Hansons owner Charles Hanson said: "Now here's a dressing-room story with a rather unusual twist! Most police officers finish their shift with a cup of tea, but Peter Durham walked away with a shirt from Alan Shearer and an autograph collection from one of the most exciting football teams in the country."
Hanson added: "It's a wonderful story of footballing hospitality. Peter had spent years keeping order on match days, and on his final game in charge he was invited into the Newcastle dressing room. I imagine that was one occasion when he was rather pleased to be on the other side of the police cordon."
A Piece of Geordie History
Hanson described the shirt as capturing the era of the "Entertainers," the Newcastle side that challenged for the Premier League title. "Alan Shearer is a name that sends a shiver down the spine of many a Newcastle supporter. He was a phenomenal striker, and to have a shirt he actually wore, personally presented by him and signed by the likes of Kevin Keegan, is something rather special," he said.
The shirt features in Hansons Auctioneers' November Sporting Sale on Thursday, November 12, starting at 10am. The auction takes place at Hansons' Derbyshire Saleroom, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, with online and in-room bidding available. Viewing is by appointment only, and bidding enquiries can be made by calling 01283 733988 or emailing service@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk.
