Liverpool football legends Ian Callaghan and Gerry Byrne will finally receive their World Cup winner’s medals today – more than 40 years late.
They are among the “back-up boys of ‘66” who will be honoured by Gordon Brown at Downing Street after a long campaign to recognise the squad players who missed out on the Wembley final.
Callaghan, a Toxteth-born winger, played in one of the early games of the 1966 tournament, but fell victim to a change of tactics that saw England become the “wingless wonders”.
Left-back Byrne – who, like Callaghan, spent his entire playing career at Anfield – unfortunately never made it onto the pitch throughout the tournament.
A medal will also be awarded to Manchester United winger John Connelly, who began his career at his home-town club of St Helens, in the Lancashire Combination League.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Mr Brown told the Daily Post: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Gerry Byrne, Ian Callaghan and the other players to Downing Street.
“It is absolutely right we recognise their role in England’s 1966 World Cup success – one of our finest sporting moments.
“They are real football heroes and have made this country proud.”
Striker Jimmy Greaves, defender Jimmy Armfield and goalkeeper Peter Bonetti will also be honoured.
FIFA, football’s governing body, agreed to mint special replica medals for the players who missed out on the 1966 final, plus England’s coaching staff.
Between 1930 and 1970, only the 11 victorious players who played in the final received a winner’s medal.
It meant only the players who beat West Germany 4-2 on that famous day at Wembley were honoured, including Roger Hunt, another Liverpool player.
Now the new policy will also hand a record third medal to Pele, who triumphed in 1958 and 1970, but was injured for Brazil’s 1962 final win.
Callaghan, who made a record 640 appearances for Liverpool between 1960 and 1978, helped England beat France 2-0 in one of the group games, but lost his place to future Everton star Alan Ball.
He went to win only four England caps, while Byrne – who famously played through the pain of a broken collarbone to help Liverpool win the 1965 FA Cup Final – represented his country only twice.
They are among the “back-up boys of ‘66” who will be honoured by Gordon Brown at Downing Street after a long campaign to recognise the squad players who missed out on the Wembley final.
Callaghan, a Toxteth-born winger, played in one of the early games of the 1966 tournament, but fell victim to a change of tactics that saw England become the “wingless wonders”.
Left-back Byrne – who, like Callaghan, spent his entire playing career at Anfield – unfortunately never made it onto the pitch throughout the tournament.
A medal will also be awarded to Manchester United winger John Connelly, who began his career at his home-town club of St Helens, in the Lancashire Combination League.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Mr Brown told the Daily Post: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Gerry Byrne, Ian Callaghan and the other players to Downing Street.
“It is absolutely right we recognise their role in England’s 1966 World Cup success – one of our finest sporting moments.
“They are real football heroes and have made this country proud.”
Striker Jimmy Greaves, defender Jimmy Armfield and goalkeeper Peter Bonetti will also be honoured.
FIFA, football’s governing body, agreed to mint special replica medals for the players who missed out on the 1966 final, plus England’s coaching staff.
Between 1930 and 1970, only the 11 victorious players who played in the final received a winner’s medal.
It meant only the players who beat West Germany 4-2 on that famous day at Wembley were honoured, including Roger Hunt, another Liverpool player.
Now the new policy will also hand a record third medal to Pele, who triumphed in 1958 and 1970, but was injured for Brazil’s 1962 final win.
Callaghan, who made a record 640 appearances for Liverpool between 1960 and 1978, helped England beat France 2-0 in one of the group games, but lost his place to future Everton star Alan Ball.
He went to win only four England caps, while Byrne – who famously played through the pain of a broken collarbone to help Liverpool win the 1965 FA Cup Final – represented his country only twice.
No comments:
Post a Comment