BRIAN KERR attended the 1966 World Cup final and even had a seat ‘not too far from The Queen.’
In a wide-ranging recollection of the whole tournament, he told Off the Ball the unlikely story of how he and his late brother managed to snag one of the best seats in the house.
He said: “It was a remarkable match to be at. I remember things like every German fan in the ground seemed to have a red, white and yellow flag.
“Small flags, each of them had waving away. English flags I can’t really remember so much.
“Remarkable atmosphere. Again, a very warm day. I was sitting not too far from The Queen actually as it happens.
“I don’t know how my brother pulled that one out but I had a three pound ten shilling ticket that was up not too far from the Royal Box.
PERFECT VIEW
“So I had a very good view of the match. I mean, the change in fortune, the scoreline was 2-1 with England looking like they were going to win it.
“Late goal for Germany to get it to go to extra-time. Hurst getting the three goals.”
He added: “I remember being disappointed Greaves wasn’t playing. He was one of my heroes, Jimmy Greaves.
“He played in a couple of the group games. But he got injured I think in the last group match against France.
“And he didn’t play in the quarter-final, semi-final and final. Alf Ramsey stuck with Hurst, Peters and Hunt.
“The midfield then of Charlton, Ball and Stiles. So Greaves didn’t get a game in the final.”
INCREDIBLE TO HAVE BEEN THERE
Lastly, he reflected: “But Hurst’s performance on the day and y’know, the controversy of the goal and the ball coming down off the crossbar. Is it a goal or is it not? Waiting to see. It was great.
“I was probably too young to appreciate how astonishing it was to be at a World Cup final.
“And to understand the tactical side of the game. It was a new style in terms of England’s work rate and four midfield players but no wingers.”
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Sadly some of the members of that squad have passed away in recent times.
Martin Peters died last December while Norman Hunter passed away on Friday.
Kerr’s hero Jimmy Greaves was also hospitalised this month though he has since been discharged and is recuperating at home.