Sir Geoff Hurst, one of West Ham’s true greats recently celebrated his 70th birthday. Hurst is widely thought of as a true legend for both club and country and he had many fantastic moments in a playing career spanning an incredible 20 years, although he was most successful at his favourite team, West Ham United. After his celebrations I thought it was a fitting time to look back on his fabulous career and select a mere 5 moments of world class stature, and they are as follows;
5: Although not exactly a moment it’s fair to say that Hurst’s legacy is one of his greatest achievements. Widely regarded as one of the best English footballers ever and a true West Ham legend Hurst’s contribution to football is one that many will never repeat.
4: Hurst remains the most recent British-based player to notch a double hat-trick in a top-flight league match: he achieved this remarkable feat in a First Division match against Sunderland at Upton Park on 19 October 1968, which saw the Hammers defeat the Wearsiders 8-0.He also remains the only ever player to score a hat-rick in a world cup final. That speaks for itself.
3: Scoring the equaliser in the 1964 F.A Cup final at Wembley. Hurst netted a pivotal equaliser against Preston North End in the F.A Cup final which would see West Ham go on to win the game 3-2
2: Scoring 249 goals in 502 games for West Ham in all competitions. A remarkable record included in a superb career.
1: That ever so famous hat-rick in the world cup final. Hurst scored a hat-rick to help his England to their only ever world cup win in a 4-2 win against the Germans. Having played only 8 international games prior to the world cup final Hurst shocked everyone by scoring 3 crucial goals in England’s victory as he was selected over prolific goal scorer Jimmy Greaves who had been available for selection after injury, however Sir Alf Ramsey opted to go with young Hurst and his decision was to be conclusively vindicated.
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I won’t be wishing him a happy birthday, I had the misfortune of watching the England Greece game with him at Old Trafford when Beckham scored that free kick. He is a tosser, I watched it with a few of the boys from 66, all of them except Hurst couldn’t be nicer, Hurst was full of himself and when I asked the other ex England players they said he has always been like that ( full of himself ) he seemed bored, it was a crap game admittedly but the least you would expect is that he would talk to the guests that pay him to be there. Maybe someone can present him with some humility I am sure all that know him would appreciate that !