FAREWELL MR FANGTASTIC
THREE LIONS HERO OF ’ 66 REMEMBERED
STARS paid tribute to England World Cup grinner Nobby Stiles’s big heart and big teeth after he died aged 78 yesterday.
TRIBUTES have poured in for World Cup winner Nobby Stiles who died yesterday aged 78.
The England legend – famed for dancing on the Wembley turf after the 1966 victory – passed away surrounded by his family after a long illness.
Footage of the midfielder clutching the Jules Rimet Trophy in one hand and his false teeth in the other has become legendary in English football.
Last night Match Of The Day host Gary Lineker said: “Saddened to hear that No Nobby Stiles has passed away. “A Another of our 1966 World Cup winning heroes leaves us. CUH
He had a heart that was even b bigger than the gap in his teeth. RIP Nobby.”
The Manchester United s star’s death means there are ju just four players still alive fro from the 11 who led England to it its lone major trophy. Only Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Geoff Hurst, Roger Hunt and George Cohen remain from that famous day 54 years ago.
A statement from his loved ones read: “The Stiles family are sad to announce that Nobby Stiles passed away peacefully today surrounded by his family after a long illness.
“The family kindly ask for privacy at this sad time.”
Stiles, who was born in Collyhurst, Manchester, was also part of the United side which became the first English club to win the European Cup two years later, when they beat Benfica in the final at Wembley.
England officials tweeted: “We’re incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Nobby Stiles, a key member of our World Cup- winning squad.”
THREE Lions hero Nobby Stiles never looked like your ordinary footballer.
Tiny, short- sighted and balding at a young age, it’s fair to say he overcame hurdles to become a World Cup winner.
But he was vital to the team that stuffed the Germans back in 1966.
Hat- trick hero Geoff Hurst described him as “the heart and soul” of the side.
Gaffer Alf Ramsey even threatened to quit when the FA told him to drop Nobby because of his “rough play”.
And who can forget the iconic shots of him celebrating the famous win with his false teeth out?
So his death after years of illness is another very sad moment – months after teammate Jack Charlton passed away.
There may only be four surviving members of that starting line- up now. But their achievements will live on for ever. Fangs for the memories, Nobby.