Colchester United fans could soon be the proud owners of ex-manager Steve Whitton's used underwear in a "desperate" fundraising stunt by the club.
With the managerial hotseat still warm following Mr Whitton's departure last week, the club is auctioning off legacies of his time in charge, including the nameplate from his office door.
Some of the items up for bidding
Other items include his socks, shorts, jacket and even a pair of pants!
Mr Whitton wasn't consulted about the auction but said he understands the club's need to raise cash.
The bizarre sell-off comes with a guarantee from the club that all the items of clothing were worn by the man himself during training sessions or in the dugout during recent games.
Memorabilia of his nine years at Colchester United as player, coach and manager can be bought through online auction website QXL.com with proceeds going to U's funds.
A spokesman from the club said it is trying to make itself more accessible to fans and follows on from the auction of a squad place last August.
Recently fan David Marsh paid £1,000 to be handed the number 71 shirt in the U's squad this season.
A club spokesman said: "In the last couple of years, we have tried to open up the club to supporters and this auction is just an extension of that."
Mr Whitton, who is on holiday at the moment in Spain, said today he understands the club's move.
"I wasn't aware of it going on but it is a little bit desperate," he said.
Published Thursday, February 6, 2003
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