George Eastham

George Edward Eastham ( born September 23, 1936 in Blackpool ) is an English former football player and graduated 19 caps for the England national team.

Sports career

Eastham was born in Blackpool, Lancashire, but first played for the Northern Ireland Ards FC, ​​who was trained by his father George R. Eastham and established in 1956, professional at Newcastle United. As technically gifted midfielders and central attack player he was in the service of the Magpies four years. When he looked around for another club, he refused in December 1959 from a contract extension in Newcastle. The club turned then, however, against a change Easthams and refused to disclose the registration documents. Then Eastham went against his club before the High Court of Justice and fought against this " unfair trade barrier". The court upheld the action of Eastham and the British transfer market then went through far-reaching reforms.

In the meantime, Eastham had joined Arsenal, made ​​his debut in December 1960 against Bolton Wanderers, scoring two goals. Eastham was, although he had previously still not played international match, part of the squad for the 1962 World Cup in Chile, where he did not, however, was used. His first international match then took place in May of 1963 against Brazil. After that, he was part of the team that won the World Cup in 1966. As already four years earlier, he also came into this tournament to no use. Overall Eastham played 19 malignant for England, scoring two goals.

In 1966, Eastham was captain of Arsenal FC. Since the club had, however, completed under coach Billy Wright only 14 the season, Eastham was with his situation there very dissatisfied and, after 223 games and 41 goals for the Gunners to Stoke City. There he spent eight years, won in 1972 the League Cup, scoring in the final against Chelsea the decisive goal. In 1973 he was awarded the Order of the British Empire as OBE.

After retiring as a footballer, he returned in 1977 back for ten months to Stoke, to train the club until 1978. After he retired completely from football back and later emigrated to South Africa.

Achievements

• English League Cup Winners: 1972