Original 'This is Anfield' sign sells for £115,000 at auction
The original 1972 'This is Anfield' sign from Liverpool's stadium has been sold at auction for £115,000.
The Full Story
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The original 'This is Anfield' sign, a famous landmark in the tunnel at Liverpool's Anfield stadium, has been sold at auction for £115,000. The sign, first put up in 1972 by legendary manager Bill Shankly, was intended to intimidate opposition players. Shankly reportedly dismissed the alternative wording 'Welcome to Anfield' as too friendly.
The sign was removed in the late 1970s and given to Ronald Wilson, a former member of the club's boys' team. It has been displayed in his family pub on the Isle of Man for about 20 years. Earlier reports indicated pre-bidding had reached £30,000, but the final price far surpassed that figure.
The auction took place a week after transfer deadline day. The buyer is based in the North West of England. Former Liverpool striker David Fairclough, who only lost one home game during his time at the club, spoke about the superstition of touching the sign. Former stadium announcer British Sefton said the sign 'definitely put the frighteners up away teams'.
The sign has since been replaced, but the words remain the same, and Liverpool players continue to touch it as they walk out onto the pitch. The auction gave supporters and collectors a rare chance to own a piece of football history.
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Key Claims
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Channel Perspectives
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The BBC focused on the history and significance of the sign, including its origins under Bill Shankly, its journey to a pub in the Isle of Man, and the early pre-bidding interest. The tone was nostalgic and reverential, with interviews highlighting the sign's iconic status and its role in intimidating opposition players.
- “It's set to be auctioned off, giving a rare opportunity to own a piece of footballing history.”
- “There's pre-bidding already, but up to over £30,000 for it already, sort of thing, so the ultimate man cave item.”
ITV focused on the auction result, confirming the sale for £115,000 and the buyer's location. The tone was more news-driven, with a touch of local colour from former players and a brief history of the sign's origins. It also highlighted the contrast with the original 'Welcome to Anfield' wording.
- “The stadium's iconic 1970s sign has gone under the hammer, and it far surpassed the auctioneer's estimate, fetching £115,000.”
- “About £115,000. A high price to pay from a buyer based in the North West who'll be hoping it brings them the same good luck.”
Broadcast Timeline
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