A former football manager whose priceless medal was stolen says he was 'close to tears' when manufacturers promised to make him another one.

Tommy Sampson led Deal Town Football Club to FA Vase glory at Wembley in 2000 and was given the medal to commemorate what he described as the best day in his sporting career.

However Mr Sampson, who remains the only manager of a Kent side to have won the FA Vase, realised it was missing last October and since then has been desperately trying to get it back.

After speaking to some contacts at the Football Association, he was put in touch with the manufacturers who have promised to make him another one, but it might not be for a while yet.

The 66-year-old said: "I'm a grown man and it nearly brought me to tears for the FA to get me in contact with the right people. I'm absolutely delighted.

"The FA orders so many, then the manufacturer makes them in runs, so I won't get it until the next batch is made.

"It was devastating when it was stolen. The mere fact I won't get it for a few months is not a problem.

"They've not changed too much since 2000 so it will almost be a replica.

"It's the only tangible thing I've got from that day and it was the greatest day of my football life."

When the medal was stolen, Mr Sampson had been due to visit Deal for their FA Vase first-round tie against Kennington and he wanted to take it with him.

He asked his wife, Sandie, to take the prized possession out of a safe and she left it in the front room of their apartment at D'Este Road, Ramsgate.

The next morning the couple noticed the blue box, which contained the medal, had gone missing after work was done in the apartment.

Mr Sampson, who had a stroke in 2007, also successfully coached Herne Bay, Tonbridge and Dartford but says the medal is the most prized of his possessions from an illustrious career.

Enquiries into the reported theft are ongoing and anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/214069/21.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or using the online form on their website.