Bradford City Medal From Tragic 1984/85 Season To Go To Auction

A rare piece of football history from one of the darkest days in the sport will go to auction in Glasgow later this month.

The winner’s medal awarded to Tony Clegg, a defender in Bradford City’s 1984/85 Third Division title-winning squad, is set to be sold by McTear’s Auctioneers on 19th June.

The rare medal stands as a powerful symbol of both sporting achievement and profound tragedy. Bradford City secured the league title in a campaign that culminated in the final game of the season on May 11, 1985, a match forever overshadowed by the catastrophic fire at Valley Parade that claimed the lives of 56 supporters and injured hundreds more.

Tony Clegg, who played 48 matches for the Bantams, reflected on the emotional weight the medal carries.  He said: “This medal represents the pinnacle of my footballing career, but it’s impossible to separate it from the heartbreak we all experienced that day. I’ve kept it for four decades, and I now feel the time is right to pass it to someone who understands both the pride and the pain tied to that season.”

The fire, which broke out during the match against Lincoln City, remains one of the most traumatic days in British sporting history.

Brian Clements, McTear’s managing director, added: “This is not just a medal, it’s a deeply emotional artefact from a defining moment in English football history. We are honoured to handle its sale.”

Tony Clegg was a central defender for Bradford City from 1983 to 1987, making 48 league appearances and scoring two goals. One of the more unusual moments in Clegg’s career occurred during an away match against Hull City in the run-in to the title in 1985. Just four minutes into the game, Bradford's goalkeeper Eric McManus was injured and with no substitute goalkeeper available, Clegg stepped in to play between the posts. Clegg kept a clean sheet that day with Bradford going on to win 2-0.

In addition to the league championship medal - which is estimated at £700 to £1000 - McTear’s Sporting History Auction will feature an array of historic lots including Old Firm medals, rare jerseys, early match tickets and programmes. 

Do you have Sporting items you would like to sell? For a complimentary, no-obligation valuation, visit our Glasgow Galleries or contact a specialist on 0141 810 2880 or auction@mctears.co.uk.