When Football meets the Underworld: A Historical Correspondence up for Auction
A rare and remarkable piece of history that uniquely intertwines the worlds of football and organised crime will be presented at auction in an exciting upcoming sale. Plymouth Auction Rooms will be auctioning a letter written in May of 1971, which details a unique correspondence between former Manchester United manager Frank O’Farrell and notorious organised crime figure Reginald “Reggie” Kray.
This letter is not merely a historical document; it is a window into an unlikely friendship that formed between two figures from vastly different walks of life. A dedicated Roman Catholic, O’Farrell’s practical application of his faith motivated him to extend support to the less fortunate, frequently reaching out to individuals serving their sentences in jails nationwide. Reggie Kray, serving time in Parkhurst Prison for his crimes, reached out to O’Farrell with words of encouragement and advice. Written during O’Farrell’s early tenure at Manchester United, it conveys a sense of mutual respect and camaraderie. In his response, O’Farrell expressed gratitude and reciprocated with genuine warmth, acknowledging the challenges both were facing—albeit in starkly different circumstances.
The content of the letter provides a fascinating glimpse into their relationship. Reggie Kray’s tone is surprisingly congenial and supportive, offering insights into his character beyond his notorious reputation. O’Farrell’s reply highlights his compassionate and open-minded nature, traits that undoubtedly contributed to his career in football management.
This extraordinary piece of correspondence is expected to draw significant interest not only from football enthusiasts but also from collectors of criminal memorabilia and historians. The letter serves as a testament to the complex human stories that often lie behind public personas, illustrating how unexpected friendships can form even amidst the most unlikely of circumstances.
The letters have been consigned by the grandson of Frank O’Farrell and also include two magnums of Whisky which were awarded to O’Farrell as manager of the month.
Frank O’Farell (1927-2022) was an Irish football player and manager. He played for West Ham between 1948-56, making 213 appearances and also Preston North End. He played for the Republic of Ireland making nine appearances between 1952 and 1959. He replaced Matt Busby in 1971 as the manager at Manchester United for 18 months; managing players such as Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best. O’Farrell remains as the only Irish manager in Manchester United’s history. A full biography can be found on Wikipedia.
This is a must-have for any serious collector of football memorabilia or historical documents related to British social history.
The collection will be at auction in Plymouth on June 18th with a guide price of £1,000 to £2,000 for the letters and £100 to £200 for each bottle of Whisky. For more information please visit bid.plymouthauctions.co.uk/auctions