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George Eastham, a member of England’s 1966 World Cup winning team, has died aged 88.
Eastham did not play on England soil in 1966, but the winger was part of Sir Alf Ramsey’s side that won the only World Cup in the country’s history.
Born in Blackpool, Eastham spent most of his career Newcastle, Arsenal And Stoke And also left a far-reaching legacy as someone who fought against the so-called ‘contract of slavery’.
East Ham’s involvement in a 1963 court case led to improvements in players’ freedom of movement between clubs through reform of the British transfer market.
“The Stoke City Football Club family is deeply saddened by the death of club legend George Eastham OBE aged 88,” his former club announced his death on their official website.
“George was signed by the Potters for a fee of £35,000 shortly after being part of England’s 1966 World Cup winning team.
“He represented the club for eight seasons in the top division of the English game and was a two-time FA Cup semi-finalist in red and white.
“He is perhaps best remembered as the man whose goal secured the 1972 League Cup in a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Wembley.
“The Potters will wear black armbands for the match against Sheffield Wednesday (Saturday) as a mark of respect.
“Our thoughts are with George’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Eastham’s father, George Sr., also played EnglandWin a cap. Eastham won 19 caps for his country between 1963 and 1966.
After playing for Ards in Northern Ireland, Eastham made 124 and 207 league appearances for Newcastle and Arsenal respectively before moving to the Potteries.
East Ham made 194 league appearances for Stoke and was awarded an OBE for his services to football shortly before his retirement in 1974.
Between March 1977 and January 1978 he was appointed assistant to Tony Waddington before becoming Stoke manager.
Eastham later emigrated South Africa where he coached local black children’s football.
He was also an outspoken opponent of apartheid, the system of racial segregation existing in the country at the time.
