It is the shirt worn by Carlisle United’s last line of defence on the day they achieved an historic promotion.
And it is now back in the Blues’ possession – thanks to a generous gesture from goalkeeping star Trevor Swinburne.
The former United No1 was back at Brunton Park on Saturday to watch his old club take on Harrogate Town.
And he brought with him the green jersey he wore in the game against Chester in 1982 when Carlisle achieved their last promotion to England’s second tier.
Swinburne, one of United’s most popular and consistent goalkeepers, has decided to donate the Umbro jersey, which he has signed, to the club as part of a memorabilia appeal led by the Blues' supporters' groups (CUSG).
It will now go on display at Brunton Park.
Simon Clarkson, United’s supporter liaison officer, said the club was delighted Swinburne had donated such a precious item from the Blues’ past.
“When I asked, Trevor thought, ‘You know what, a lot of people will get a lot of pleasure for a long time from that’.
“We'll get it framed and we'll get it up in one of the bars.
“It’s great that Trevor has been kind enough to bring the shirt. The fact it was worn on that day makes it as authentic as it gets.”
Swinburne, 69, was one of United’s guests on Saturday as he returned to the club for the first time since he left the Blues in 1983.
He was interviewed in the club’s new Kingmoor Park Legends Lounge and was introduced to fans at half-time – even going on to take part in the half-time crossbar challenge.
He was joined back at Brunton Park by long-serving promotion-winning defender Danny Livesey, who also received a warm welcome back.
Legends George McVitie and Les O’Neill were also among the Blues’ guests.
Clarkson said: “It shows all the positivity that we’ve got.
“Part of it's the Simmo factor because he [Paul Simpson] did say that he wants former players to feel as though Brunton Park is a really welcoming environment for them to come back and enjoy it.”
He added that supporters would be consulted for the best place to display Swinburne’s jersey, which he wore whilst keeping a clean sheet at Chester on May 19, 1982 as Pop Robson’s goal sent United into Division Two.
“My role is to engage with the fans – I’ll ask fans, and whether that's the Glass Bar, which has got a goalkeeper theme already, or Murphy’s Bar, or reception, or Foxy’s Restaurant, it will go up.”
Swinburne said he enjoyed coming back at Brunton Park, adding a trip to the Lake District to his return to the ground where he starred from 1977-83.
And he added: “More than 40 years on – and the jersey still fits me!”
READ MORE: Big interview with Trevor Swinburne recalls Carlisle United's memorable 1981/2 promotion
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