HALLAM ENJOYS FIONA BRUCE

On the Antiques Roadshow last Sunday, the oldest football trophy ever, presented to Hallam FC in 1867, was put on display and valued. It represents an historic match when they beat another Sheffield side, Norfolk, in the final of the Youdan Cup. Sheffield FC also lays claim to having some of the oldest laws of the game, established in 1858. See August blog.

Having been briefed by Richard Lewis, a fellow Bruce supporter, I switched on BBC to catch this moment of history when the oldest football trophy was brought to the Derby roundhouse by the club secretary.

The world's oldest-known football trophy is not for sale, despite being valued at £100,000. The silver Youdan Cup was presented to non-league Hallam FC in February 1867 after they won a tournament contested by Sheffield teams. Despite insisting that the trophy was not for sale, the club spokesman added: "If someone is interested in investing time and money in a grassroots club with a rich history then they know who to call."

The Youdan Cup, named after local business who funded the competition,

Thomas Youdan, predates the FA Cup by four years, was contested by 12 teams, with the final at Sheffield's Bramall Lane. Other teams taking part were Broomhall, Fir Vale, Garrick, Heeley, Mackenzie, Mechanics, Milton, Norfolk, Norton, Pitsmoor and Wellington. Only Hallam FC still exists. They beat Norfolk 2-1 in the final.

The Youdan Cup features the name of John Shaw, captain of Hallam FC in 1867

Silver specialist Alastair Dickenson said: "At first sight it's a fairly standard Victorian claret jug, which would be worth about £800." But he said he had learnt more about the cup's history, adding: "We are pretty certain this is the world's oldest football trophy.

Sheffield FC pioneered changes in the game, which included heading the ball, corner kicks and floodlit matches. Hallam FC's Sandygate ground  is the oldest in the world. Bramall Lane - where the Youdan Cup final was played - is the oldest professional ground still hosting major matches

It is currently home to Sheffield United, but in 1867 the club did not yet exist and the ground was predominantly a cricket pitch. Sheffield FC is the oldest football club in the world. Although they were the biggest in the city at the time, they did not take part in the Youdan Cup

Professional club Sheffield Wednesday were formed a few months after the Youdan Cup final, and they got their name from only playing on the traditional “half day”, Wednesday.