THE son of a former footballer who played alongside Sir Stanley Matthews and Stan Mortenson has appealed for the safe return of his dad's runners-up medal from the 1948 Cup Final.

The award, from a match between Manchester United and Blackpool, was stolen from his home in Macclesfield, Cheshire.

Keith Robinson is appealing for information which could help him recover the treasured decoration, stolen on Monday, January 11 .

The gold medal was given to his dad, Blackpool goalkeeper Joe Robinson, by King George the Sixth after Blackpool were beaten 4-2 by Manchester United. It is of great sentimental value.

PC Gary Turner said, "Joe Robinson who played for Blackpool, Hartlepool and Hull City and Player/Managed Wisbech Town, passed away some time ago and the medal commemorates a very significant event in his life.

"He was playing alongside the likes of Sir Stanley Matthews and Stan Mortenson and in front of a crowd of 100,000 fans. Although Blackpool lost, the all-Lancashire match generated a lot of excitement. It is remembered as one of the greatest Cup Finals of all time.

"The medal is obviously important to the family and its loss is a real blow to them. I would like to hear from anyone who has any idea where it may be or from anyone who is approached by someone offering it for sale."

With two footballers and a football on one side , the other features a diamond-cut inscription: 'The Football Association Challenge Cup. Runners Up. J. Robinson. Blackpool FC 1947-48'.

A number of watches and a quantity of jewellery were also stolen in the burglary on Monday, January 11.

Anyone with information about the burglary, or who may be able to tell police the location of the medal or jewellery should contact PC Gary Turner or Detective Sergeant Tony King on the Cheshire Police Information Line 0845 458 0000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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