FA Cup medal of West Brom goalkeeper who missed final up at auction

Goalkeeper Norman Heath was denied a place in the cup final in 1954 when his career was abruptly ended following the semi-final when he suffered severe neck injuries in a game against Sunderland.

His injuries were so bad he had to retire, meaning he missed out on the final, which Albion won 3-2.

Although luckless Heath was unable to take his place between the sticks at Wembley, Heath was awarded an FA Cup winner’s medal and his teammates took the trophy to his bedside in hospital.

Now the gold medal, which is expected to sell for between £4,000 and £6,000, together with his "treasure trove" football mementoes will be sold by Hansons Auctioneers in Derbyshire on Thursday, February 21.

The memorabilia includes Heath’s contracts, letters from the club, a rare 1935 Sheffield Wednesday v Albion FA Cup final programme and an autographed Baggies celebration dinner programme from 1935.

The whole collection is expected to fetch between £8,000 and £10,000.

Alistair Lofley, football valuer at Hansons Auctioneers, said: “This is the first time I’ve ever had the honour of selling an FA Cup final winner’s medal. You don’t see them often.

"This is an incredible find and one of the most important collections of memorabilia relating to one player that I’ve ever come across.

“For any keen collectors, the opportunity to own a genuine FA Cup final medal is the stuff of dreams – and the circumstances surrounding its presentation make it extra special

“Norman Heath is remembered with great fondness by his club and supporters. I don’t think there can be a football fan in the land, or even the world, who could not be touched by his story.

"To suffer a career-ending injury just before an FA Cup final is the cruellest of blows.

“His memorabilia is a treasure trove of nostalgia and provides an historical record of a player’s life in the 1940s – including the Second World War - and beyond.

“For example, we have his first professional football contract from 1943 where his wages were "permissible in wartime" though no figure is given.

"By 1948 his contract stated that he was earning £10 per week - the equivalent of £345 a week in today’s money - with an extra £2 if he played in a first team league or cup match.”

The lot includes several letters from the club to Heath alerting him to his selection to the team. One from November 1943 tells Norman he has been selected to play in an away game against Stoke City and says: "Please be in attendance in good time… bring your sandwiches with you…. We will pick you up at the Gaumont Cinema, Wolverhampton."

Heath, who was born in Wolverhampton, joined West Brom as an amateur in 1942 and turned professional in 1943.