FOOTBALL chiefs have stepped in with a late substitution to help a Mothers' Union hit a cash goal after Christian soccer boss Glenn Hoddle failed to score a success with fund-raisers.

The England boss was one of only a couple of celebrities who failed to answer a plea for donated items for a silent auction to boost funds at Colne Parish Church.

But today a FA spokesman said the organisation had sent a pair of cufflinks to fund-raisers after the 'own goal' was pointed out to them.

MU member Margaret Watson, said: "The FA have been very good to us and it was a very nice gesture. We've got some wonderful stuff. People have been very generous, not just the celebrities, but local people as well."

Tony Blair sent a signed pen, William Hague donated a signed sports cap and photo and John Major handed over an autographed mini cricket bat for the silent auction, which will be held in Exchange Street schoolroom, Colne, tomorrow.

A pair of Nora Batty's famous wrinkled stockings, together with items from Sir Paul McCartney, Robert Kilroy-Silk, Michael Barrymore and Dawn French were also gathered by fund-raisers, who sent out dozens of letters to celebrities.

"Glenn Hoddle receives hundreds of letters and they are dealt with by the FA, so it's a bit unfair for people to suggest he didn't reply," said the spokesman. "I can only assume we did not receive this letter for some reason. but we have sent a pair of cufflinks for the auction."

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