Liverpool FC supporters are being given the opportunity to own a piece of Reds history as the club bids a final farewell to its famous training ground in a special online memorabilia auction.
The unique event, which will be held on 2 March 2021, will see more than 360 items from the last seventy years the club spent at Melwood go under the hammer and be auctioned off to fans.
A special selection of items from the sale will be auctioned specifically to raise funds for the club’s official charity, LFC Foundation. The monies raised, together with a Club donation from all the auction proceeds, will provide much needed food and support the ongoing work around physical and mental wellbeing in the local community, particularly during the COVID-19 response.
The driving force behind this unique occasion was the development of the new AXA Training Centre, which for the first time brings the club’s first team and academy players together under one roof. This hugely significant project saw the 1950s-2020 era at Melwood come to an end, during which time the likes of former players, Steven Gerrard, Ian Rush and Sir Kenny Dalglish, passed through the doors.
Some of the most interesting items that will be up for auction include: the whiteboard used by first team boss Jurgen Klopp to demonstrate his vital team selections and formation; the Champions Wall that was visible inside the main reception area displaying the club’s illustrious trophy tally; and the press conference desk and backdrop that was used for every media briefing, where exclusive news from the club was shared with its supporters around the world.
Former player, Ian Callaghan said:
“What a momentous occasion this is as we say a final goodbye to the beloved Melwood and look forward to a new era and what our future holds at the new AXA Training Centre. Melwood will always hold a special place in my heart, it was our home for over seven decades and saw us through some of the biggest moments in our club’s history – from the ultimate highs to the challenges and tests we have faced together over the years. This is such a unique opportunity for supporters, allowing them to bid for their own piece of Liverpool FC history that they can keep forever.”
Stephen Done, Liverpool FC curator, said:
“This auction is a very special event to mark the end of an important era. The last seventy years have been a huge part of Liverpool Football Club’s rich history, with so many memories and incredible moments to share. And not forgetting all the incredible players that have passed through those doors at the famous training ground during this era. Without their tremendous talent and contribution to the club, we wouldn’t have such prestigious memorabilia and fantastic memories.
“The items on offer in the auction are both unique and diverse – from the world famous Champions Wall that greeted you as you entered the main reception area to the all-important press conference desk that saw news from the club shared to supporters around the globe.”
The auction will be hosted by Graham Budd Auctions, which hosted the club’s last auction back in 2018 when hundreds of items from the old Main Stand went under the hammer.
Supporters wishing to take part in the online auction must register their interest now at www.grahambuddauctions.co.uk/create-an-account or for more information on the auction and access, please visit: www.grahambuddauctions.co.uk
