Profile: Things you didn't know
A few facts you probably didn't know... or did you?
Sir Geoff Hurst remains the most recent British-based player to notch a double hat-trick in a top-flight league match. On 19 October, 1968, Geoff scored a double hat-trick during a game against Sunderland at Upton Park. The match resulted in an 8-0 victory - the other two goals were scored by Bobby Moore and Trevor Brooking. Ronald Atkin of The Observer wrote: "Hurst was allowed to keep the matchball as a momento, which was only proper since he had it for most of the afternoon." [read more] (With thanks to Danny McGeevy for the heads up on this one.)
Geoff holds the record for the most goals scored in the Carling Cup, formerly known as the League Cup. He shares the record of 49 goals with Ian Rush but Geoff scored his goals in fewer games.
On the day after his hat-trick made history, when every reporter and photographer wanted a piece of Geoff Hurst, they went round to his house and there he was, mowing the lawn. Yes, the day after! [read more]
Geoff was the 'target man' before the term entered football vocabulary. England went into the World Cup final without an orthodox winger. As a result the ball tended to be played forward from deeper positions. It was Geoff's job to hold the ball until support arrived. Although the term had yet to enter the football vocabulary, Hurst was the 'target man'. (Robert Galvin, the author of Football's Greatest Heroes)
In university degrees, a 'Geoff Hurst' is rhyming slang for a First.
And, just for the record:
A 2:1 is known as an Attila the Hun
A 2:2 is known as a Desmond Tutu
A Third is known as a Douglas Hurd or a Thora Hird
Alf Ramsey selected Hurst as his first-choice in the attack for six years between 1966 and 1972, the longest run of any forward during his time as manager. (Robert Galvin, the author of Football's Greatest Heroes)
In late 1966, Matt Busby put in a bid of £200,000 for Geoff Hurst. The bid was double the record at that time. Busby telephoned from Poland, where United were playing in the European Cup. Ron Greenwood sent a now famous telegram in reply. It read: Busby, Manchester United, Gornik. No. Greenwood.' (Robert Galvin, the author of Football's Greatest Heroes)
The fans called Geoff 'Puffer' at West Ham United because of his habit of puffing out his cheeks when he kicked the ball. "It was just a habit," Geoff says.