Plea over football star's medal

THE heartbroken widow of a Rotherham-born football star has made an emotional appeal for the return of her late husband's prized promotion medal.Doris Haigh pleaded with the crooks to give up the Division Three North memento — saying its cash worth c
THE heartbroken widow of a Rotherham-born football star has made an emotional appeal for the return of her late husband's prized promotion medal.

Doris Haigh pleaded with the crooks to give up the Division Three North memento — saying its cash worth cannot compare to the sentimental value it holds.

John "Jack" Haigh's career saw him turn out in Liverpool, Doncaster Rovers and Gainsborough Trinity colours.

But it was at Scunthorpe United where he became a legend, scoring 66 goals in 329 appearances and playing a key role in the club's 1957/58 title-winning campaign.

But days before Christmas, the medal — worth about £1,000 — was taken from Doris's home at Tickhill Road in Balby.

Doris (76) said: "I don't now anyone could do something like this. It's just a medal to them but to me and my family it means everything.

"I feel awful. I don't know where I am or what to do while the medal is still missing."

Inside forward Jack, born in September 1928, joined Rawmarsh Welfare during the first season after World War Two.

After being on the schoolboy books at Bolton Wanderers and a trial at Chelsea, he turned professional with Gainsborough in 1949.

He was snapped up by Liverpool after just three matches and made his debut for the Reds on Boxing Day in 1950.

Jack  scored three goals in 11 appearances before signing for the Iron for about £3,000.

He went on to become one of the Lincolnshire club’s all-time greats, turning out 329 times and netting 65 goals.

Jack died in September 2007 aged 79 and a minute's silence was held at the club's next fixture.

The burglary happened between 6-9pm on Tuesday, December 22.

Jewellery was also taken from Doris's home and it is thought the burglar escaped across fields to the rear of the property.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said: "Officers have visited all the second hand gold stores in the area to see whether the football medal has been handed in but unfortunately to no avail."

Anyone with information about the stolen property is asked to contact Pc David Nixon on 01302 385217, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.