WE WERE THERE WHEN ENGLAND WON THE WORLD CUP
Today is the 50th anniversary of the nation’s greatest footballing achievement so to mark the occasion we asked three people to share their memories of that unforgettable day in 1966
time. From my vantage point I was able to watch the Queen present the trophy.
“In the aftermath, once the England players had gone back into their changing room I took my chance.
“It was absolute bedlam in there and Nobby Stiles had the cup. My biggest worry was the reaction I was going to get but I took the gold statuette from him and handed over the replica, without a murmur of protest.
“I was in uniform and that counted for a lot in those days. Finally I could relax, my main job done. The real Jules Rimet trophy was put in the boot of a police car and taken away for safe-keeping while the team celebrated with the substitute.
“My duties later that day also included attending the players’ banquet at the Royal Garden Hotel, in Kensington. I was very much behind the scenes but my abiding memory is trying caviar for the first time. I didn’t go off duty until midnight. On the Monday I was able to have my photograph taken with the real trophy.
“I feel very fortunate to have been part of an incredible occasion. I could have been on the beat or directing traffic that day instead of seeing England win the World Cup final. Other officers on duty had to keep their back to the pitch but I was able to watch the entire game.
“There was definitely some jealousy – for a while afterwards I was nicknamed World Cup Willie after the tournament mascot.”