Farewell to George Eastham, member of the 1966 England World Cup winning team, who passes away at 88

Eastham was not a part of England's 1966 victory on home soil, but he was included in Sir Alf Ramsey's squad that secured the nation's first and only World Cup triumph.

Blackpool-born Eastham spent most of his career at Newcastle, Arsenal and Stoke and also left a far-reaching legacy as the man who battled against so-called 'slavery contracts'.

Eastham's involvement in a 1963 court case which improved players' freedom to move between clubs ended up reforming the British transfer market.

It was at Stoke where Eastham claimed his only piece of club silverware, scoring the winner in the 2-1 League Cup final victory over Chelsea in 1972 to give Stoke their first major trophy.

"The Stoke City Football Club family is immensely saddened by the passing of club legend George Eastham OBE at the age of 88," his former club said announcing his death on their official website.

"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."

Stoke also plan to pay tribute to Eastham at their home fixture against Leeds on Boxing Day.

Eastham's father, George Senior, also played for England, winning one cap. Eastham would win 19 caps for his country between 1963 and 1966.

After playing for Ards in Northern Ireland, Eastham made 124 and 207 league appearances for Newcastle and Arsenal respectively before moving to the Potteries.

Eastham made 194 league appearances for Stoke and was awarded an OBE for his services to football shortly before retiring in 1974.

He went on to be appointed as assistant to Tony Waddington before becoming Stoke manager himself between March 1977 and January 1978.