Ilford medals back home from the States

14 June 2006

THE Essex County FA have a fantastic piece of historical football memorabilia for the Association archive after a donation from an American coin collector.

Howard Strong's two 19th century Senior Cup medals from 1889 and 1892 feature in the latest edition of ECFA Magazine and the Washington State resident was so pleased to make contact with the Essex County FA recently that he has asked for the oldest medal to be put on display in the county's trophy cabinet.

"My hope is that this small item will help supplement the rich history and pride of the ECFA," said Strong from his home in Manson.

"The presentation box is a little worn but I like to look at it as 'character' and an indication of a long and active life."

ECFA Press & Publicity Officer, Matt Phillips, added: "It's a wonderful gesture from Howard and we're honoured and grateful that he's donated such an important piece of Essex FA history to our archive."

The 1889 Senior Cup Final featured Ilford against the Somerset Light Infantry with the Essex side securing a 2-0 win and back-to-back trophy triumphs.

Ilford went on to make it a hat-trick of Senior Cup wins with a 2-0 victory over Romford 12 months later.

Both of Strong's medals feature Vaughtons of Birmingham on the box and the famous Midland silverware company later replaced the old FA Cup after it was stolen from Aston Villa in 1895.

Vaughtons sold the new trophy to The FA for £25 and Birmingham City owner, David Gold, bought it at auction for £475,000 last year.