Ex-Newcastle United star and World Cup winner George Eastham dies aged 88

George Eastham, a member of England’s World Cup-winning squad, has sadly died at the age of 88. He spent most of his career at Newcastle, Arsenal and Stoke and left a legacy as the man who battled against so-called “slavery contracts”.

Eastham fell out with Newcastle as he departed in 1960, disputing whether the house the club had supplied him was habitable - among other issues. Despite his contract expiring, the Magpies refused to let him leave. At the time, clubs operated a system known as retain-and-transfer, which meant they could keep a player's registration while refusing to pay them.

Eastham took the club to the high court in 1963, arguing it was an unfair restraint of trade, and that Newcastle owed him £400 in unpaid wages and £650 in unpaid bonuses. The judge ruled partly in Eastham's favour, stating that the retain-and-transfer system was unreasonable.

Eastham is remembered as a Stoke City legend, with his former club paying tribute. “The Stoke City family is immensely saddened by the passing of club legend George Eastham OBE at the age of 88,” a statement read. "George was signed by the Potters for a £35,000 fee shortly after being part of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning squad. He went on to represent the club for eight seasons in the top division of the English game and was a two-time FA Cup semi-finalist in red and white.

“He is perhaps best remembered as the man whose goal secured the 1972 League Cup in a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Wembley. The Potters will wear black armbands for the fixture against Sheffield Wednesday [on Saturday] as a mark of respect. Our thoughts are with George’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Eastham was awarded an OBE for his services to football shortly before retiring in 1974. He later emigrated to South Africa where he was a football coach for local black children.