George Eastham obituary

12/23/2024 02:04 PM

Newcastle, Arsenal and Stoke City footballer who was a member of the 1966 England World Cup squad

The footballing flair of George Eastham, who has died aged 88, thrilled crowds at Newcastle United, Arsenal and Stoke City in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, and earned him a winners' medal with the 1966 England World Cup squad. But his rebellious streak also secured him an honourable place on the list of players who fought against – and eventually helped to end – the restrictive practices of the footballing establishment.

Having joined Newcastle as an attacking midfielder in 1956, Eastham had asked for a transfer at the end of the 1959-60 season, and Newcastle had refused. The iniquitous retain and transfer system still existed then, binding a player to a club as long as they wished to keep him. But Eastham had financial backing in the shape of a Yorkshire businessman called Ernie Clay, later to become a controversial chairman of Fulham.