Christmas Candy - Barratt Footballers

George Bassett loved candy. Little did he know when he began that starting in the 1930's his confectionery sweets would be associated with soccer cards.  The company subdivided into Barratt Candy which issued some of the only English cards from the 1970's to the 1990's.

 

As a collector of certain players, I was able to check off a few of these with a recent purchase.

 

1986 Barratt # 34 - Shilton

 

My collection of PETER SHILTON cards stands somewhere around 40 to 50 issues. (I need to make a Master List for him).

1995 Barratt # 2 - Giggs

 

You cannot go wrong with the only player to play and score in EVERY Premier League season since it began in 1992. Manchester United's RYAN GIGGS is that Record holder.

1995 Barratt # 1 - Cantona

 

Probably my favorite Manchester United legend ever, other than George Best, is ERIC CANTONA. If you want to see a great soccer movie, check out "LOOKING FOR ERIC".

1986 Barratt # 39 - Dalglish

 

I probably don't collect any modern  retired player as frequently as "King Kenny" DALGLISH. The Liverpool legend appears on this card in a Scotland jersey.

1986 Barratt # 14 - Aldridge

 

Another Liverpool and Ireland star before he joined the Anfield club - JOHN ALDRIDGE.

1985 Barratt # 2 - Heath

 

A star from the "blue" side of Liverpool, was Everton's ADRIAN HEATH. Heath has been the Manager here of Orlando City - winning two 3rd Division Championships. The team will begin playing in MLS in 2015.

 

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS and HAPPY NEW YEAR !

 

STOKE CITY, PETER SHILTON and New Soccer Card Prices

Premier League club STOKE CITY continue their tour of the USA tomorrow night. I will be attending their game at the Citrus Bowl against USL PRO Champions Orlando City. 

I am hoping new American signing Geoff Cameron (from Houston Dynamo) will make his debut for Stoke along with City's star players - Peter Crouch, Kenwyne Jones and Thomas Sorensen. Hopefully, I will get a few photos to share of the night for upcoming blogs.

July 25 - Columbus Crew 2, Stoke City 1

July 28 - Orlando City (Citrus Bowl) 7:30 PM

August 1 - Sporting Kansas City (Livestrong Park)

PETER SHILTON -

I've added another 1975 Topps card to my collection. When I wrote about Stan Matthews having cards in 4 different decades,  I could have also added another Stoke City player - PETER SHILTON. 

1975 TOPPS Peter Shilton

Shilton played a record 125 games for England. He also added a phenomenal 1005 league matches. In total he holds the world record for most competitive matches in professional soccer. He made his card debut in the 1960's and had various issued collectables in the 70's, 80's and 90's until his retirement.

This 1975 card makes my checklist of all but one Topps Shilton cards (10 out of 11 completed). 

PRICE WATCH -

The recent ebay prices for modern soccer cards has continued to rise.

Here are just a few high lights :

2012 Upper Deck MLS Marks - Thierry Henry - $232.50

The Upper Deck autograph of the Frenchman fetched over $200 bucks even though the signature is on the "band aid" sticker. 

2008 Sport Kings Gold - Pele -  $306.00

This "on card" Gold autograph (1 of 10) from Sport Kings has been hovering around $900 bucks, so someone got a steal at a third of the price. Still one of the best cards ever to have in your collection.

2012 Futera Unique - Demba Ba - $242.22

The rise in 1 of 1 Futera autograph cards is truly interesting. Such is the wonder with the above card of Newcastle United's young star Demba Ba.  A 1 of 1 of Liverpool star Maxi Rodriguez also sold for $315.00

2001 Upper Deck Man. United - Beckham - $809.99

I made the mistake in thinking the auction had ended on this David Beckham card at around $500.00 - it was furious bidding that push it a further $300 bills ...

Next up:  vintage card prices