George Cohen RIP

[Pete’s Picture Palace]

I can't let George Cohen's passing go by without a mention so let me say I was very sorry to read of it today - at the age of 83, and retired from the game at just 29, badly injured, then surviving cancer at 36, he was a fighter and of course right back in the 1966 World Cup Final team in which he was vice-captain and had a 100% appearance record in that competition.

Played only for Fulham from the mid 50's until 1969, with 408 league appearances, and 37 caps, and now has a statue at Craven Cottage which George himself was very bashful about, as Johnny Haynes has one too and George didn't consider himself worthy in comparison, though he was justifiably very proud of it.

Now we have just the 2 knights, Geoff Hurst and Bobby Charlton, remaining from that fabulous XI of 56 years past, and I'd like to offer a Christmas toast to them and in memory of George and the other 8 from that famous day. Cheers all!

RIP George