George Eastham, a member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad, has died on the age of 88.
Eastham didn’t play in England’s 1966 success on dwelling soil, however the winger was a part of Sir Alf Ramsey’s squad that lifted the World Cup for the one time within the nation’s historical past.
Blackpool-born Eastham spent most of his profession at Newcastle, Arsenal and Stoke and likewise left a far-reaching legacy as the person who battled in opposition to so-called ‘slavery contracts’.
Eastham’s involvement in a 1963 court docket case which improved gamers’ freedom to maneuver between golf equipment ended up reforming the British switch market.
It was at Stoke the place Eastham claimed his solely piece of membership silverware, scoring the winner within the 2-1 League Cup ultimate victory over Chelsea in 1972 to provide Stoke their first main trophy.
“The Stoke City Football Club family is immensely saddened by the passing of club legend George Eastham OBE at the age of 88,” his former membership mentioned saying his loss of life on their official web site.
“George was signed by the Potters for a £35,000 fee shortly after being part of England’s 1966 World Cup winning squad.
“He went on to characterize the membership for eight seasons within the high division of the English recreation and was a two-time FA Cup semi-finalist in purple and white.
“He is perhaps best remembered as the man whose goal secured the 1972 League Cup in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Wembley.
“The Potters will put on black armbands for the fixture in opposition to Sheffield Wednesday (on Saturday) as a mark of respect.
“Our thoughts are with George’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Stoke additionally plan to pay tribute to Eastham at their dwelling fixture in opposition to Leeds on Boxing Day.
Eastham’s father, George Senior, additionally performed for England, successful one cap. Eastham would win 19 caps for his nation between 1963 and 1966.
After enjoying for Ards in Northern Eire, Eastham made 124 and 207 league appearances for Newcastle and Arsenal respectively earlier than shifting to the Potteries.
Eastham made 194 league appearances for Stoke and was awarded an OBE for his providers to soccer shortly earlier than retiring in 1974.
He went on to be appointed as assistant to Tony Waddington earlier than turning into Stoke supervisor himself between March 1977 and January 1978.
