A collection of items from the playing career of Hexham-born 60s footballing legend Joe Kirkup, is up for auction with Graham Budd Auctions based in Northamptonshire.

Known for his time at West Ham United, Chelsea, and Southampton in the 1960s and 70s, as a youngster Mr Kirkup represented Northumberland Schools at rugby before dedicating his career to football.

Born on December 17, 1939, he moved south with his family and signed for West Ham United aged just 16.

Joe Kirkup was born in HexhamJoe Kirkup was born in Hexham (Image: Supplied)

As part of the West Ham youth team, Mr Kirkup lost to Manchester United in the 1956/57 FA Youth Cup final and made his first team debut at Manchester City on December 13, 1958, days before his 19th birthday.

In 1975, Kirkup relocated to Durban, South Africa, to manage Durban City FC.

Lots 522 to 545 at the auction relate to his career as a defender for West Ham, Chelsea, and Southampton.

Joe Kirkup played for teams such as West Ham United, Chelsea, and SouthamptonJoe Kirkup played for teams such as West Ham United, Chelsea, and Southampton (Image: Supplied)

Lot 522 includes an 18ct gold and enamel European Cup-Winners' Cup medal.

Mr Kirkup was awarded this after West Ham's 2-0 victory over 1860 Munich on May 19, 1965.

Also available are a claret and blue No. 2 West Ham shirt worn by Mr Kirkup during the 1965 European Cup Winners Cup Final (lot 523), and a 9ct gold cased Omega wrist watch presented by West Ham to the players who participated in winning the trophy (lot 524).

A claret and blue No. 2 West Ham shirtA claret and blue No. 2 West Ham shirt (Image: Supplied)

Further auction highlights include a blue No. 12 Chelsea shirt and shorts (lot 534) and a blue and yellow Chelsea tracksuit (lot 535), both from the 1967 F.A. Cup Final.

Fans can also bid on shirts worn by the football star for England matches against Holland and Israel in 1961 (lots 537 and 538).

A shirt worn by the footballer for an England match against HollandA shirt worn by the footballer for an England match against Holland (Image: Supplied)

David Convery, head of sporting memorabilia at Graham Budd Auctions, said: “Joe’s footballing legacy is significant, particularly for West Ham fans, where he was part of the winning European Cup Winners’ Cup team.”

“It’s always a genuine pleasure when these items come direct from the player, and there is, of course, no better provenance, and that means everything in the auction world.

"We're expecting a lot of interest in these historic items.”

Visit: www.grahambuddauctions.co.uk/