Sir Alf Ramsey World Cup reports sold for £17,064

A bundle of papers belonging to the manager of England's 1966 World Cup-winning team found hidden in an old suitcase has sold for £17,064.

Handwritten plans from Sir Alf Ramsey, photographs of former captain Bobby Moore and scouting reports from former Manchester United boss Sir Matt Busby were featured in the lot at Diss Auction Rooms in Norfolk.

The documents were given to Sir Alf's former neighbour and friend, who he lived alongside during his spell as Ipswich Town manager between 1955 and 1963.

Auctioneer Elizabeth Talbot said: "It could have made less, it could have made a lot more, but how does one value a piece of important history like that?"

While the items were expected to fetch more than £1,000, the auction was opened with a starting bid of £6,000.

Ms Talbot said she was "blown away" by the amount of interest over the internet and phone.

"We do know there was a lot of interest from various museums, academics, football fans and authors. I think it has to have that to make the competition work," she said.

"I'm just pleased it did a lot more than we estimated."

Rob Henshilwood, a books and manuscripts specialist at TW Gaze auction rooms, said the range of items reflected the "collaboration" of those who worked together to help England succeed.

"It's so hands on... it's a world away from modern football management where you have a whole entourage," he said.

Among the documents were handwritten scouting reports from club managers, detailing the performance and strategies of opposing teams, hand-drawn diagrams and a training camp programme from 1966.

Documents showing how Sir Alf meticulously set out his thoughts on how his players should be treated were also included.

Ms Talbot added: "I was born in 1966 and I've only ever lived knowing that as a landmark in our modern history, so to have actually witnessed some of the preparation for all that... I think it's quite magical."

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