Busby Babes-signed programme up for auction in Whitchurch

Trevanion and Dean Auctioneers held the drop-in session in Overton on Dee.

They were shocked to be handed an official programme for the FA Cup fourth round tie in January 1957 when Wrexham played Manchester United.

However, what makes the programme so special is that it is signed by Manchester United manager Matt Busby and seven of his players, known famously as the Busby Babes.

Auctioneer Aaron Dean said: "A smile extended across my face because, as a young boy, Wrexham was the first team I saw play a league match.

"However, my eyes soon focused on four words written on the top ‘Best wishes Matt Busby’, I looked up at the gentleman sitting opposite me and enquired 'Is this ‘the’ Matt Busby?', but this was not the only signature."

On the back page of the programme are seven of the ‘Busby Babes’ team signatures including Duncan Edwards, Mark Jones, Bill Foulkes, Dennis Violet, Billy Whelan and Jim Murphy.

"Little over a year later some of players who had signed it died as a result of the Munich Air Disaster on February 6, 1958," Aaron said.

"Sadly, this includes Duncan Edwards, regarded by many as one of the greatest players of his generation – perhaps of all time."

There was also one final secret that nestled innocently within the pages of the programme – the original match day ticket.

Aaron added: "This cut piece of normal paper with simple ink stamps is a far cry from the glossy, foiled serial number examples seen today and is quite magnificent in its simplicity and honesty."

Manchester United beat Wrexham 5-0 on the day and went on to reach the FA Cup Final but were beaten 1-2 by Aston Villa.

The signed programme will be auctioned on October 20, with an estimated valuation of between £200 and £300.