Bought as a christmas gift for my elderly uncle who was at Wembley when England won the world Cup in '66. It's a great book and I know he'll love it.
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This book is a "must read" for ex-footballers(of all standards) who played the game during his era(1950's---1970's) He deals with present day "prima donnas" with rightful disdain and highlights the simplicity of how footballers of his era dealt with the "fame" that was shed upon them in his(and my) day. His respect for his West Ham and England colleagues is modestly expressed and he retains that approach when he includes himself. He underlines the honesty with which players,in his day, refrained from the "antics" which spoil a game requiring as high a level of skill then as it does today. Indeed, he is embarassed by the level of self-adulation in the game's modern era. Whilst he is clearly proud of his achievements,he makes much more of those of his teammates during the 1966 World Cup campaign. It becomes obvious how closely knit the whole squad was and all,without exception, enjoyed playing under the leadership of "Mooro" and the astuteness of "Mr Ramsey". For me,the poignant aspect of his story is the way Hurst deals with the sadness that clouded his own life ,not just from time to time but, moreorless, without any lasting relief. Whilst there is no sign ,whatsoever,of self pity, I would wager he would forsake the act of scoring a hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup Final and the fame which came with it in exchange for the cruel trick that fate ultimately played upon his growing and lovingly close family.
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A good read
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It was a gift, it was delivered in good condition and the recipient liked it.
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Interesting book, great condition, wrapped very well
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Have read an awful lot of sporting books and I thoroughly enjoyed this as it's a personal account of 66 and Geoff's team mates rather than the usual account. Interesting, funny and sad at times but an immersive read that I couldn't put down.
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My goodness this is a surprise. One of the most emotional sporting books that I've ever read and I've read a few. When pitched to the publisher I imagine that their enthusiasm was lukewarm but Sir Geoff's book (with the assistance of Jasper Rees) strikes the perfect balance of sporting drama and personal experiences, most of which I'd estimate are here in print for the first time. It really is a book that deserves your attention, football fan or not. A word of warning however that Chapter 14 is a very hard read, the subject of which is any parent's worse nightmare but described by the author with the utmost dignity imaginable. Totally heartbreaking.
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I was 9 in 1966, but recall the day and the excitement of the time very well. This book has told me so much I did not know before about the squad of 1966, their background and personalities, what happened to them afterwards and to the team collectively. History has not treated them well but this redresses the balance I read it in less than half a day. It is utterly compelling, very moving, wonderfully put together and beautifully written. Without doubt the best book on sport I have ever read. Well done and huge thanks to all those involved. Unreservedly recommended.
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