Hansons World Football Auction April 2025 - Wembley Stadium

Collection of football memorabilia-Bill McCracken Newcastle United and Ireland (1883-1979)

Celebrate the extraordinary career of Bill McCracken, a pioneering footballer whose influence shaped the modern game. Known as “the man who changed the offside rule,” McCracken was a stalwart of Newcastle United, making 443 appearances over an illustrious 19-year tenure (1904-1924), during which he won three league championships, an FA Cup medal, and earned 13 Ireland caps. Elected to the Football Hall of Fame in 1971, his legacy endures as one of football’s most innovative and accomplished figures.

 In this collection is a tea pot presented to Bill from Newcastle Utd.

The teapot is marked Newcastle United Champions League 1904-05 finalists. Cup finalists 1904-05-06

The other memorabilia items from Bill McCracken’s carrer include:

The Hall of Fame programme of Events when Bill was inducted in 1971

A signed photograph of Bill McCracken showing of his trophy for being induced into the Hall of Fame.

A signed photo of Bill McCracken in his black and white strip playing for Newcastle United.

A signed photo of Bill McCracken pictured alongside a framed photo of the 1910/11 Newcastle Team. 

A Daily Mirror newspaper article Jan 5, 1973, Headline ‘ The Bill McCracken story – ‘Rebel’ with a £2 cause.

Newspaper article from 1971, Jack Steeples visits the Hall of Fame – headline – Old Bill joins the All Time Greats.

Newspaper article with headline ‘ Man who changed the offside rule 90 on Monday’.