Auction swells development fund

The 1923 FA Cup Final Programme auctioned by Frickley Athletic has swelled the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Blues’ Redevelopment Fund by nearly £1,300.

After a week of frenzied bidding the Premier Division’s Blues have announced that the original programme from the 1923 'White Horse' FA Cup Final between Bolton Wanderers and West Ham United, pictured, eventually sold for £1275.

The Blues are raising £50,000 to build a new community pavilion at Westfield Lane and had hoped to boost the fund by £1000. They are now approaching the £30,000 mark after the sale, the latest of a series of programme auctions held by Athletic. Like the other programmes sold, it was one of more than 3500 gifted to Athletic by lifelong fan and programme collector Barry Jackson who passed away three years ago.

They’ve now raised more than £15,000 and Athletic Chairman Gareth Dando said: "We’re absolutely delighted with the amount raised by the sale and it’s beyond what I thought we’d receive for it. On behalf of the club I’d like to thank everyone that helped publicise the sale via social media as it certainly helped give us greater publicity and generated such a good price.

"I know plenty of us involved in the club were glued to our screens on Monday night watching the price rocket and it’s capped a fantastic week for us after our great win over leaders Skelmersdale United on Saturday."

When built Frickley's new development will house four changing rooms, officials changing rooms, additional male, female and disabled toilets and a community function room with its own catering facilities.

The complex - to be shared with South Elmsall United Juniors and South Elmsall United Services - will be open to community groups for a range of activities and educational programmes, many aimed at encouraging people to enjoy the nearby country park as well as helping to build the club's future fan base.

For more information on the redevelopment fundraising visit: www.fafcredevelopment.weebly.com.