Former Sunderland manager Terry Butcher backs match-worn shirt poppy appeal

“There’s a possibility you’ll be saving lives,” says Terry Butcher as he backs the MatchWornShirt and Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, now in its eighth consecutive year.

The former Sunderland manager is once again showing his support for the annual campaign, which auctions match-worn and signed shirts from Premier League and EFL clubs on the MWS website, with net proceeds going to the Royal British Legion.

Auctions are now live and running until Armistice Day on Wednesday, November 11.

Over the years, the campaign has raised £4m for the Royal British Legion and Terry says it’s a special way to show support.

“Buying a match-worn shirt is something unique - it’s very rare,” he said. “By doing that you’re giving help to families of veterans who need that help very urgently. There’s a possibility you’ll be saving lives.”

As a symbol of respect, football clubs across the UK will wear shirts featuring an emblem of the poppy during this period of Remembrance.

After the matches, these unique shirts will be signed by the players who wore them and made available to own via auction, exclusively on the MWS website and app.

Since it was first worn as an act of Remembrance more than 100 years ago, the red poppy has become an enduring symbol of support for our Armed Forces.

This year, the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal highlights the fact that when someone serves, their family serves too, facing unique challenges and sacrifices alongside their loved one.

Ben France, Head of Corporate Partnerships at the Royal British Legion, said: “When a partner or parent serves, they often spend months away at a time, missing birthdays, anniversaries and first days at school. The impact on family life is the top reason for serving personnel considering leaving their job.

“The RBL is there to support armed forces families during and after service, providing guidance during deployment, helping with financial hardship, support after a bereavement, or caring for a loved one in old age. By bidding in our annual shirt auction, you can help raise vital funds for the Royal British Legion to support the Armed Forces community for life.”

James Flude, Head of Business at MWS said: “The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces community and their families, and we’re incredibly proud to support it for the eighth consecutive year.

“We’ve really seen our community get behind this partnership, and last year showed how much fans value these shirts.

“Salah’s Liverpool shirt against Aston Villa topped our 2025 Poppy Appeal auction, and Haaland’s appeared twice in the top five from Manchester City’s fixtures against Liverpool and Bournemouth. Even Elliott Anderson’s shirt from Forest’s game against Leeds went for over £5,800.

“Every shirt carries the poppy, and every bid helps ensure vital support continues for veterans and service personnel.”

To help the Royal British Legion continue its vital work, head to MWS’s website and get involved in one of the many auctions for this year’s Poppy Appeal: mws.com/poppy