A former Norwich City player will not have to sell a prized medal to pay for repairs to his van after an 'overwhelming' response from the public.

Norwich Evening News: Peter Mendham (right) in action for Norwich City. PHOTO: ArchantPeter Mendham (right) in action for Norwich City. PHOTO: Archant (Image: EDP Library)

Peter Mendham made 267 appearances for Norwich between 1978-87, scoring 29 goals, and was a member of Ken Brown's Division Two winning team in 1985/86.

But the former City star thought he might have to flog the title-winning gong to help pay for the £500 bill he needed to repair his works van.

The news had touched fans, with Alan Potter setting up a JustGiving site for people to donate. And following the publicity Mendham has received the money he needs to pay for the repairs – without having to sell his medal.

He said: 'I've been overwhelmed by the support from the general public – it's been fantastic.'

Norwich Evening News: Peter Mendham's title-winning medal from Norwich City's 1985-86 season. PHOTO: Peter MendhamPeter Mendham's title-winning medal from Norwich City's 1985-86 season. PHOTO: Peter Mendham (Image: Archant)

Mr Mendham, who was made redundant in October last year, has set up a removals business but spent a lot of money trying to keep his van running.

He did not have enough money to pay for recent repairs and posted on Facebook that he might have to sell his medal.

A friend of Mr Mendham's saw the appeal and has loaned him the money to pay for the repairs. He said: 'A good friend of mine came up with the money and said: 'Give it back when you can.'

But he has also had lots of other offers from those looking to come to his aid, including more than £1,000 pledged on the JustGiving page.

Mr Mendham, now 58, was a key member of the squad that easily won the title, playing with the likes of Steve Bruce, Dave Watson and Chris Woods. He is a former fundraiser for the East Anglian Air Ambulance but in February 2007 he was jailed for seven-and-a-half years – later reduced to five years – for wounding with intent by stabbing his former girlfriend Charlotte Hyam.

Mendham said: 'I pleaded guilty to my crime. I deeply regret my actions in 2006 but I was punished for it and I served my punishment.'

Local author Edward Couzens-Lake is working on writing a book about Mendham.

He tweeted: 'Currently working with Peter Mendham on his life story titled 'Life On The Inside', a humorous & revelatory look back over his playing career but also his life and the darker turn it took shortly after he had retired from the game.'