A Bradford City player's FA Cup Final winner's medal from the famous 1911 victory will go under the hammer next month.

But the cash-strapped club, which celebrates its centenary this year, cannot afford to be among the bidders.

The 15-carat gold medal, pictured, was awarded to Frank Thompson, a Northern Ireland international who played a leading role in the team's momentous 1-0 win.

They beat Newcastle United in a replay at Old Trafford after the first match between the two teams ended in a scoreless draw at Crystal Palace.

The medal, which is expected to raise between £4,000 and £6,000, is up for sale in an auction of football memorabilia at Sotheby's in London on February 18.

It has been offered for sale by an anonymous donor along with other Thompson memorabilia, including three of his Northern Ireland caps.

Julian Rhodes, chief executive of Bradford City, said the club did not have any other winner's medals.

"Unfortunately we won't be able to bid because of our cash position but it would be nice to think whoever does end up getting it would perhaps let us display it," he said.

"We have got the ball from the 1911 cup final and we would like to display it with that."

Mike Harrison, Bantams fan and contributor to the club fanzine City Gent, said supporters would be eager to snap up the medal of the only major trophy the club had won.

"I am certain that City fans would be very interested in this piece of history," he said. "It's a very rare thing with the fact that there's only 11 of these particular medals in existence."

Among the centenary events planned this year by the club is an exhibition of memorabilia.

And Mr Harrison backed the idea of displaying the artefact at the Bradford & Bingley Stadium if possible.

"It would be fantastic to see the medal in Bradford at the club."

The winning goal of the match was a header scored by Scottish striker Jimmy Speirs .

Following the win, fans packed Bradford city centre, awaiting the return of their heroes by train.

The Bradford Weekly Telegraph, forerunner to the Telegraph & Argus, described the scene: "It was an unparalleled popular demonstration, overwhelmingly, unforgettably terrific."

Bradford City also made history in 1911 by being the first club to win the new FA Cup - which was designed in Bradford by William Norman of gold and silversmiths Fattorini and Sons and was chosen by the FA from 250 designs.

The sterling silver trophy cost 50 guineas, or £52.50, and was made at Fattorini's works in Birmingham.

Frank Thompson was bought by Bradford City in 1910 scored 13 goals in 60 appearances, before joining Scottish club Clyde in 1913. He then became manager of Ayr. He died aged 77.