George Eastham RIP

clive

The Stoke City Football Club family is immensely saddened by the passing of club legend George Eastham OBE at the age of 88.

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 represent 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.

https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/2024/december/20/george-eastham-obe-1936-2024/

Addick Addict

RIP

Algarveaddick

RIP

DyerConsequences

RIP.

Leaves only 3 of the squad left with us apparently: Geoff Hurst, Terry Paine and Ian Callaghan.

jimmymelrose

DyerConsequences said:

RIP.

Leaves only 3 of the squad left with us apparently: Geoff Hurst, Terry Paine and Ian Callaghan.

The dyer consequences of mortality 
RIP.

pettgra

If I was lucky my pocket money would stretch to watching another game when Charlton were away.
I would go to watch Arsenal and Eastham was invariably the standout player. Very gifted and classy player. RIP.

Henry Irving

RIP

From Henry Winter

@henrywinter

Every footballer should mourn the passing of George Eastham OBE, who has passed away aged 88. Very sad news and thoughts with Eastham’s family and friends. Eastham’s legacy is huge as player, campaigner and reformer. He is one of the most important figures in English footballing history. Eastham had a magnificent career, playing for Newcastle, Arsenal and Stoke, and being in England’s 66 squad (receiving his winner’s medal only in 2009 after a campaign to get non-playing members of the squad recognised). 

Wonderful left foot, creative and with an eye for goal, Eastham was a class act in midfield or an inside-forward and represented England 19 times. 

His influence in football was/still is even greater than those fine achievements. His determination to leave Newcastle for Arsenal in 1959 was delayed by the arcane “retain and transfer” system. Players were treated almost as serfs, poorly paid and unable to decide their future employment as clubs retained their registration after their contract expired. Eastham went on strike before Newcastle finally allowed him to leave for Arsenal in 1960 for £47,500. He was barracked on his return to St James’ Park but provided the perfect riposte with a goal and two assists. Fabulous footballer. 

And campaigner. Having got to Highbury, Eastham then went to the High Court and struck a blow for all players by getting major changes to “retain and transfer” in 1964. Backed by 

@PFA who contributed to his substantial legal fees, Eastham’s success transformed players’ careers and livelihoods. He brought in a fairer transfer system and strengthened players’ rights. He was the English Bosman. And he carried on shining on the field, bringing experience to a Stoke side full of youth. Scored the winner in the 71/72 League Cup final - at 35. He moved to South Africa where he coached young players and stood up to apartheid. I was fortunate to meet him once at an FA event and he was totally absorbing company. George Eastham OBE lived a full and varied life and English football will forever be in his debt. RIP.

Pedro45

Not many of the '66 World Cup squad left now...RIP George

Lincsaddick

R I P George, 'they also serve who only stand (or sit on the bench) and wait'