A SPORTSWEAR firm topped the bidding for boots worn by soccer legend Bill Shankly.

Made by Gola, they were last worn in 1974 by the architect of the Liverpool glory years, were valued at up to £3,000 and sold for £5,980 at Christie's in London yesterday.

Former Liverpool manager Roy Evans, who played during Shankly's reign in the 1970s, bid for them on behalf of D Jacobson & Sons of Rawtenstall, owners of the Gola brand.

Now the firm, which acquired Gola two years ago, plans to display them at its Bacup Road site.

"Bill Shankly, for me, was the top man," said Evans, who confessed to finding the auction more nerveracking that any soccer match.

"I think 'Shanks' would have been delighted at how highly he is regarded by football fans."

A spokesman for Jacobsons said: "We are delighted to be associated with both Roy Evans and Bill Shankly, who is a true legend. We will be very proud to display his boots in our showroom."

Other lots at the South Kensington sale room included an 18-carat gold European Cup winners' medal won by Celtic midfielder Willy Wallace when the Glasgow team became the first British club to win the trophy in 1967.

It was valued at £12,000 and sold for £10,350 to a private collector bidding over the phone.

A Brazil shirt worn by Pele during their successful 1970 World Cup campaign and later signed by the samba star fetched £6,325.

Former Celtic star Billy McNeill's last nine-in-a-row League Championship medal, which he collected after the club's record-breaking run, went for £2,070.

A gold pocket watch awarded to Harry Nuttall of Bolton Wanderers after the first FA Cup final played at Wembley was sold for £1,150.

The proceeds will go to East Herringthorpe Carousel Club in Rotherham, a community-based charity.

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