Rare NUFC memorabilia auctioned

A rare recording of players from Newcastle United and Blackpool Football Club discussing their forthcoming 1951 FA Cup Final match is being sold by Auctioneers in Kendal.

Watched by approximately 100,000 spectators on the 28 April at Wembley, Newcastle United came out on top 2-0 with both goals being scored by Tyneside legend Jackie Milburn.

Auctioneer and saleroom manager, Kevin Kendal explains the find:

The Newcastle team's recording reveals the height and boot size of Ernie Taylor (5ft 4", size 4), why goal keeper Jack Fairbrother wore his famous white police gloves: "if they are good enough to stop traffic they can stop goals" and a cool Jackie Milburn agreeing that he is no stranger to Wembley adding; "I think we'll win" and that it was important to win for "the sake of all our fans on Tyneside". Half Chilean, George Robledo correctly predicts the score singing: "roses are red, violets are blue, Blackpool none, Newcastle two".

Bobby Mitchell is the only Newcastle player who isn't on the recording. There is also an interview with trainer Norman Smith and director Stan Seymour. The session ends with the players singing a supporters song.

Eleven Blackpool players can be heard on the other side of the record.

Stanley Matthews, described frequently by his fellow team members as "the maestro", says: "I've plenty of experience of playing at Wembley it's the biggest thrill of ever".

George Farm introduces Eddie Shimwell as "one of the select few [playing] who has scored a goal in a cup final".

Tommy Garrett says; "I come from Sunderland so I know what to expect from those Geordies. It will certainly be a hard game."

And Scotsman Hughie Kelly, one of five to play in the match, adds: "I thought I knew a bit about football until I came to England but to me, and I expect to all the other Scots down here, the game seems a lot faster."

This Blackpool recording also reveals that a last minute substitution was made. Alan Brown, who is heard speaking, was replaced by Bill Slater. Alan was injured in the semi-final.

And Bill, the only surviving member of both teams and the last amateur to play in an FA Cup Final, remembers the game well. At the time he was a student at Carnegie College in Leeds and was told that he could not stay for the post match meal. Bill found himself on a train back to Leeds surrounded by celebrating Newcastle fans.

The record, now belonging to a Blackpool lady whose father previously owned it, came to light during an ITV Dickenson's Real Deal valuation day last month. The owner had the option to either accept a cash offer on the spot from a dealer or to sell it a later day at auction.