Bert Williams' shirt under the hammer

A shirt worn by Wolves legend Bert Williams in his World Cup year is among hundreds of Black Country footballing items up for sale at auction.

Kits, signed photographs and programmes will be on sale at the auction after a mystery private collector gave up some of the prized items.

Williams' goalkeeper jersey dates back to November 22, 1950, when England played out a 2-2 draw against Yugoslavia at a friendly at Highbury - the former Arsenal ground.

The yellow woollen polo neck-style shirt has an embroidered Yugoslavia 195051 inscription underneath the main Three Lions emblem on the left-hand side.

The unique slice of sporting heritage was worn by Williams in what was his 13th international. It even still has mud and other signs of wear from the match.

Auctioneers say the lot could reach at least £1,200 when it goes up for sale in Ludlow next week.

Around 1,000 sporting items form the sale due to take place at Mullock's Auctioneers on June 23 and 24.

Mullock's expert Keith Hartwell said: "To get Bert's shirt has come with more significance since he was awarded the MBE and we are really proud to have it."

Among other items on sale is a signed photograph of England and Wolves captain Billy Wright. The star of three World Cups signed the framed picture of himself in 1949 in his England strip and cap, and it could fetch £500.

Dozens of rare Wolves programmes are also up for sale at the auction at The Clive Pavilion, Ludlow Racecourse, Ludlow, next week.

It is not just fans of the gold and black who can pick up a slice of footballing history. Baggies' fans can pick up a piece of Albion history when an 1888 12ct gold runners-up medal from the Birmingham and District Football Association League goes under the hammer. It is thought to be worth around £700-£800.

The medal was awarded to George Woodhall who played in three consecutive FA Cup Finals for West Bromwich Albion between 1886-88, played for England twice and played for Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1892-94.

With the World Cup occupying the minds of footie fans across the country, a range of memorabilia from the sport's greatest competition also makes up part of the two-day sale.

Rugby, tennis and cricket are also covered in the auction.

Visit www.mullocksauctions.co.uk or call 01694 771771 for details.