It may have ended in defeat, but for Preston North End fans of a certain age the 1954 final remains one of their proudest memories.

Now one famous memento of the day that PNE went to Wembley is set to go under the hammer.

The runners-up medal of former North Ender Tommy Docherty, who played right half in the final, will be auctioned on Wednesday.

But Docherty, known as The Doc, said he had no idea the medal was up for grabs or who was selling it. And he called for the money it raises to go to charity.

It will go up for sale at Sotheby's in London, with a guide price of £2,000-3,000.

The nine carat gold medal is inscribed with the words The Football Association, Challenge Cup, Runners-Up, T Docherty, Season 1953/54.

Docherty said: "The last time I saw it would be in 1954. When I got divorced and left Man United my wife kept a lot of the stuff.

"It doesn't bother me but I would rather it go to charity or be in the football museum in Preston where I spent my proudest moments as a player."

Mr Docherty said his estranged family have put some of his Scottish international caps up for auction in the past.

Told of the money it is expected to fetch, he added: "It seems to be out of context, the prices are ridiculous.

"Rooney has just spent £300,000 on a car. I would rather give the money to cancer research."

Many North End fans consider the 1950s side – which included Sir Tom Finney – to be the greatest PNE team of the 20th Century.

In the Evening Post book Preston North End - 1954 FA Cup Final, Tommy Docherty said: "The supporters were great, they cheered like hell, but deep down we knew we had let them down."

West Brom beat Preston 3-2 in the final.

Relive the drama of the 1954 Final with our special book, packed with pictures and memories...To order your copy priced £12.99 telephone Rachel or Katy on 01772 838081