City shirts spark online bidding war

A charity auction has sparked an online tug of war with Norwich City fans clamouring to land limited edition shirts worn by star players Darren Huckerby and Robert Earnshaw.

The poppy-embossed shirts were worn by all City players who took part in last week's Armistice Day clash with West Brom at The Hawthorns as a tribute to all those who lost their lives in past conflicts.

After the match, which was won courtesy of Earnshaw's 11th goal of the season, on the 11th day of the 11th month of the year, the shirts of all City players were signed and put on internet auction site Ebay.

Will Hoy, City's brand marketing manager, said: “The auction is over the next 10 days and the proceeds go to the Royal British Legion. We've always supported the Poppy Day appeal with collections at the ground, but this is such a unique way to support the appeal.”

The auction has kicked off it and it already looks likely to be a two-horse race as to whose shirt will be the most popular. With the auction barely 24 hours old, Huckerby had raced into a customary lead with a frenzied auction, attracting a top bid of £510, but Welsh star Earnshaw is £10 behind. The dynamic duo are streets ahead of their team-mates with City's newly formed defensive yellow-brick wall Jason Shackell and Dion Dublin attracting the next highest bids of £175 each. But with more than a week to go on the auction there is still time for City fans to get in on the action.

Ray Holland, war veteran and former chairman of the Norwich Branch of the Royal British Legion, said he was “delighted” the Canaries have decided to donate the proceeds to the Royal British Legion.

“We're extremely grateful to Norwich City and the players for supporting the Poppy Appeal in this way,” he said.

Ü Have you broken the bank in your pursuit of Canaries memorabilia? Or do you have an interesting Ebay story? Call Evening News reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772439 or e-mail peter.walsh@archant.co.uk

Shirts on ebay.co.uk