An exhibition which features some of the nation's most prized football possessions was officially opened last week (FRI JAN 22) at Carlisle's Tullie House Museum by Blues boss Greg Abbott.
Called "Saved for the Nation: The Story of the FA Cup", the three-month exhibition charts the history of the world's oldest and most famous football club competition.
It features dozens of priceless mementos, including the shirts worn by Sir Stanley Matthews and George Best in two of the competition's most famous individual performances of all time.
However, the centrepiece is the actual trophy which was awarded to the FA Cup winners from 1896-1910. This magnificent Victorian trophy is the second FA Cup and the oldest surviving one - making it arguably the most important piece of English football memorabilia. The original FA Cup dated back to 1872 but was stolen and melted down. The current FA Cup is the fourth different trophy to be used.
Greg Abbott, who led his side to the third round of this season's FA Cup before losing to last year's finalists Everton, said: "It was a real privilege and an honour for me to be asked to open the exhibition. Like everyone who loves football, I know all about its fantastic history and tradition. Long may it continue."
The Blues boss was accompanied by his assistant Denis Booth when he opened a preview of the exhibition. The exhibition is now open to the public until April 11.
The exhibition has been developed by the National Football Museum at Preston North End's Deepdale stadium and is on a nationwide tour which has already taken in Newcastle and most recently Leeds. It uses original memorabilia as well as film and photographs to tell the FA Cup's incredible story from its beginnings in the 19th century to the present day.
Michelle Wiggins, Tullie House Museum's audience development manager, said: "We think this is going to be an incredibly popular exhibition because everyone knows about the magic of the FA Cup, not just football fans. Visitors will be able to find out about the great FA Cup teams, players and goals and learn more about the big shocks and most famous underdogs in the competition's history. There is an amazing collection of truly iconic football items to help explain why the competition inspires people throughout the world."
Among these are the Blackpool shirt worn by Sir Stanley Matthews in the 1953 FA Cup Final when Blackpool beat Bolton 4-3 and the Manchester United shirt worn by George Best during the 1970 FA Cup fifth round tie against Northampton Town, where he scored a record six goals in an 8-2 win.
The FA Cup which is also on display was purchased at auction in 2005 by former Birmingham City chairman David Gold who has since allowed it to go on public for the first time in over 90 years.
Tulle House Museum is teaming up with Carlisle United to promote the exhibition, which will feature a series of visits by Blues players during school holidays to provide photo opportunities for fans with the trophy. Details of these will be announced at later dates.
The museum in Castle Street is also teaming up the RAF in support their school-backed tournaments by allowing the winners of the Community Cup, Community Girls Cup and RAF Cup to have their team photograph taken with the FA Cup.
