They are also two names that feature in upcoming auctions offering a couple of intriguing items relating to football.
Moving on from that somewhat tortuous link between the two, the Brown lots come in the form of three medals he won as part of the excellent Huddersfield team that won became the first to win the old First Division Championship three times in a row from 1923/24- 1924/25 and 1925/26.
That feat has only been repeated by three other teams - including Manchester United.
Bomber strikes
Part of the goal-scoring strike force for Huddersfield during this time was Brown, an ex-miner from Northumberland. Signing professional papers for the Terriers in 1921 at the age of 17, he went on to become Huddersfield’s all-time leading goal scorer with 159 goals in all competitions, including 35 league goals in the 1925/26 season, when Huddersfield clinched their third successive title and Brown his third 1st Division champions’ gold medal.
These three medals have surfaced for sale at Sheffield Auction Gallery on April 20, estimated at £15,000-20,000.
It is appropriate that the saleroom’s sporting caluer and auctioneer, Robert Lea, is a lifelong Huddersfield fan. “On both a professional and personal level this is one of most exciting items I have ever been asked to bring to market,” he said. “George Brown is one of the true legends of Huddersfield Town FC, although a group like this will attract interest from many quarters.”
Made from gold, the trio of championship medals are attached to a gold watch chain, which it is believed is how George liked to wear them. They will be offered along with a fascinating paper archive of photographs, letters and associated items relating to George's career.
Brown went on to win nine England caps and play for Aston Villa, Burnley and Leeds in his later career before retiring to run a pub in Birmingham ahead of his untimely death in 1948 aged just 45.
Law in both sides of Manchester
Somerset saleroom Lawrences is offering a set of autographs of the 1968 United team. Entered to the Crewkerne auction on May 18, they are estimated at £150-250.
Meanwhile, back to Denis Law. Although more famous now for his stints at both Manchester clubs, in 1956 he became the youngest player ever to play for Huddersfield Town, making his debut aged 16 years and 10 months. He played alongside future 1966 World Cup left-back Ray Wilson, under the management of future Liverpool manager Bill Shankly.
In 1960 Law joined Manchester City for what was then a British record transfer fee of £55,000, before an unhappy time at Torino and then to the red half of Manchester. He was part of the team which became the first English side to win the European Cup. He made a one-season return to City, famously scoring a back-heeled goal which helped to relegate the Red Devils.
Somerset saleroom Lawrences is offering a set of autographs of the 1968 United team. Entered to the Crewkerne auction on May 18, they are estimated at £150-250.
Entered by a client in Bridport, the signatures were acquired at the Russell Square Hotel in London while the players were staying before the 1968 European Cup Final at Wembley.
Signed on paper, as well as Law they include George Best, Bobby Charlton, Nobby Stiles, Bill Foulkes, Harry Gregg, Pat Crerand and many other first and second-team players.
Lawrences Auctioneer Simon Jones said: “This is a wonderful piece of football history with many legendary players from that era. It has remained with the vendor from 1968 until now, and we are hoping it will find a good home with a fellow enthusiast.”
