Jimmy Greaves

Jimmy

I have always been a fan of football, Manchester United is my team of choice. However, I have always admired some players from other teams. Last night I went out to meet up with one of my heros. Jimmy Greaves' record speaks for itself. Jimmy scored an amazing 266 goals in 380 games in the league, FA and League Cups and European competition.  Chelsea, AC Milan, West Ham United, Brentwood, Chelmsford City, Barnet and Woodford Town also had him on their books. But it was as a player at  Tottenham Hotspur that Jimmy won the FA Cup in 1962 and 1967. He also won the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1963 scoring twice in the 5-1 defeat of Atlético Madrid, ensuring that Spurs became the first British club to win a European trophy.

Jimmy was the striker for the England team during the 1966 World Cup but suffered a leg injury, and had to be replaced. His replacement, Geoff Hurst, scored the winner in the quarter final against Argentina and kept his place all the way to the final, scoring a hat-trick as England won the tournament. Only the 11 players on the pitch at the end of the 4-2 win over West Germany received medals. Following a Football Association led campaign to persuade FIFA to award medals to all the winners’ squad members, Greaves was presented with his medal at a ceremony at 10 Downing Street on 10 June 2009.

Jimmy, became a popular television presenter and football pundit, striking up a partnership with Ian St. John. Together they hosted a popular Saturday lunchtime football show called Saint and Greavsie and hist catchphrase was "it's a funny old game". Unfortunately, we were told that Jimmy had been admitted to hospital and would be unable to attend the function.

In a turn of fate, that I know he would love. Jimmy also created yet another record. For the first time ever, a leading England striker was substituted by the leading England goalkeeper, when Peter Shilton attended the function in Jimmy's place.

With 125 caps, Peter is also the current record holder for the most games played for England, no mean feat when you consider that Ray Clemence who was capped 61 times severely restricted his appearances between 1975-81.

So for one of my footballing hero's, I wish him well and I hope for a speedy recovery.

It's a funny old game...

Later.....