George Eastham dies aged 88 as tributes pour in for England World Cup winner and football pioneer

dailyrecord.co.uk:

England World Cup winner George Eastham has passed away at the age of 88.Although Eastham didn't play in England's triumphant 1966 campaign on home turf, he was a key part of Sir Alf Ramsey's squad that clinched the World Cup for the first and only time in England's history.

Born in Blackpool, Eastham spent the majority of his career playing for Newcastle, Arsenal and Stoke. He also left a significant legacy as the player who fought against the so-called 'slavery contracts'.Eastham's participation in a landmark 1963 court case, which enhanced players' freedom to transfer between clubs, ultimately transformed the British transfer market. "The Stoke City Football Club family is immensely saddened by the passing of club legend George Eastham OBE at the age of 88," announced his former club on their official website."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."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 wear black armbands for the fixture against Sheffield Wednesday (on Saturday) as a mark of respect. Our thoughts are with George's family and friends at this difficult time."Eastham's father, George Senior, also represented England, earning one cap.