Impressive Pettigrew Collection To Headline Sporting Auction

A collection of medals, match worn shirts and international caps belonging to Dundee United and Motherwell legend, Willie Pettigrew, will be showcased in a specialist sale of sporting memorabilia in Glasgow later this month.

Amongst the top lots are the striker’s two Dundee United League Cup winners medals from 1979 and 1980, which could fetch £2,000 each when they go under the hammer at McTear’s on 28 April. 

Other historic items in the 18 lot collection include Pettigrew’s match winning jersey from the 1980 League Cup final plus the jersey from his first Scottish international game against Switzerland in 1976. In total the collection is estimated to fetch between £7,500 and £14,000.

Commenting on the auction, Willie Pettigrew said: “The League Cup win against Aberdeen was fantastic as it was the first major piece of silverware won by Dundee United.  We played really badly in the first leg but turned up for the replay.  I managed to get two goals although I rode my luck with one of them.  I took a swing and completely missed, but when I turned around the ball was still there.  I took my chance and popped it in the back of the net.

“The final against Dundee in 1980 was a very sweet moment too.  The conditions were terrible and we thought it wouldn’t go ahead because of the frost.  We had a great game and there were quite a few celebrations that night. I may not have scored in that final but I did get four against Dundee in a 5-1 Scottish Cup game the season before. 

Pettigrew received his five Scotland caps while at Motherwell, with the team winning all five games.  The striker scored in his first two games for Scotland, with his first goal against Switzerland one of the highlights of his career.

Willie added: “There is no doubt there are lots of great memories around all the medals and shirts I have, but I feel the time is right for them to be passed on and for another football fan to get some enjoyment from them.”

Born in 1953, Willie Pettigrew played for Motherwell, Dundee United, Greenock Morton, Hearts and Hamilton, with his spells at Motherwell (1972-79) and Dundee United (1979-81) the most successful of his career.  Pettigrew’s prowess in front of goal was fearsome with the player finishing as the top flight’s top scorer twice: in season 1975/76 and 77/78. 

James Bruce from McTear’s added: “Willie Pettigrew is a giant of Scottish football who is quite rightly held in the highest regard at both Dundee United and Motherwell football clubs.  His skill with a football was breathtaking, with both clubs recognising his incredible contributions with inductions into their respective Halls of Fame.  This is a very impressive collection that tells a fascinating story of one of Scotland’s most prolific goalscorers, and I have no doubt there will be a lot of interest in the auction.”

The Willie Pettigrew collection will feature in McTear’s Scotland The Brave: Sporting Medals & Trophies Auction on Friday 28 April.