RamsTrust learned this week that the monument erected in memory of legendary Derby County and England goalscorer Steve Bloomer at his birthplace in Cradley, West Midlands B63 had been stolen - and then recovered a few days later.

Bloomer scored 332 goals for Derby County and 28 goals in 23 games for England - and he is still in the top 10 England goalscorers chart 72 years after his death in 1938.

The brass plaque, mounted on a steel plinth, was situated on Bridge Street, yards from where Bloomer was born in 1874. The Halesowen News reported the theft on 17^th July and RamsTrust was told of the crime by Jill Guest, one of the organisers of the Cradley Then & Now heritage group.

It was assumed that thieves had taken the monument for its scrap value; all in Cradley were distressed and disgusted at the destruction of the tribute, erected in 1996. It was an appalling act that disregarded Bloomer’s incredible history and his status as one of the game’s greatest goalscorers and football’s first superstar.

However, the local press reported several days later that the monument had been found, among rubble in nearby Oldbury. No-one has yet been caught. Perhaps the thieves became aware of the artefact’s national importance, and realised that any scrap dealer would blow the whistle on their ill-gotten gains. So, they merely dumped an important historical monument.

Rams fans will be similarly appalled at the theft and will hope that the monument can be restored to its former glory in Steve’s home town. RamsTrust Vice-Chair Paul Mortimer told Jill he was shocked by the crime. “It virtually felt like a desecration. How criminals can disregard the history and recognition of such an important football star for petty gain is truly sickening”.

“When we learned of the original theft, I told Jill that if there’s a campaign in Cradley to restore the monument or furnish a new tribute, then RamsTrust would assist the fundraising. We have a few ideas, having raised a lot of money from fans’ contributions for the Pride Park Bloomer pitchside memorial bust.” RamsTrust first proposed the Bloomer project to Derby County in 2002.

RamsTrust has maintained strong links with Cradley and Then and Now since 2004, when the trust was invited to contribute a Steve Bloomer display to Cradley Day, a celebration of Black Country social and industrial history held every two years in the town.

Steve Bloomer’s relatives were similarly appalled at the crime. Bloomer’s grandson, Steve Richards and other members of the family had contributed to the Cradley memorial and the Derby Fish Market plinth, partly by auctioning Bloomer artefacts including his England caps.

Mr Richards, now 81, lives in Dorking, Surrey and has recently been in hospital with heart problems. He was upset by the callous treatment of Bloomer’s monument.

“I called him and told him of the crime, anticipating he was unaware of the theft. He did not know about it and was very upset but grateful for the news that the monument had been recovered. I said that Rams fans wanted to ensure that Cradley could restore his grandfather’s memorial,” Paul Mortimer continued. Other Bloomer descendents have also been informed of the crime.

“We will keep Rams fans updated on Cradley’s progress regarding Steve’s memorial, and provide any help we can. We will be at Cradley Day 2010 in early October and will celebrate Steve’s legacy again at his birthplace.”

In 2008, RamsTrust was presented with a cheque in donation to Derby County’s Bloomer monument fund appeal by the town’s MP, and Steve’s pitchside bust was unveiled at Pride Park Stadium in January 2010.

It could be that Rams fans will need to return the favour and unite to help Cradley to restore Steve’s monument - any further news on restoration plans will be passed on.