George Eastham (23rd October 1936 - 20th December 2024) was an international footballer who represented England 19 times scoring 2 goals. His first cap was against Brazil on 8th May 1963 at 26 years old, and his last was vs Denmark on 3rd July 1966 aged 29. Eastham OBE, born on 23rd October 1936, in Blackpool, has a FA Legacy Number of 820 and played as a Midfielder for his country.
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Eastham (son of George Richard Eastham) began his professional career with Northern Irish club Ards in 1953 before moving to Newcastle United in 1956. At Newcastle, he quickly established himself as a talented inside forward, making 124 appearances and scoring 29 goals over four seasons. However, his relationship with the club soured in 1960 as he refused the sign a new contract and requested a transfer which Newcastle refused. Eastham went on strike. Their disagreement escalated and both were embroiled in a landmark legal battle that would reshape English football. Challenging the restrictive "retain-and-transfer" system, he took his case to the High Court, which ruled partly in his favor in 1963, he didn't win back his lost wages but crucially the judge sided with Eastham declaring the system a "restraint of trade". This decision was pivotal in improving players' rights and mobility within the sport.
Following his legal victory, Eastham joined Arsenal, where he spent six successful seasons from 1960 to 1966. He made 207 league appearances for the Gunners, scoring 41 goals. His performances earned him a place in England's 1966 World Cup-winning squad, although he did not play in the tournament.
In 1966, Eastham moved to Stoke City, where he would enjoy some of his greatest successes. He made 194 league appearances for Stoke over eight seasons. The highlight of his time at Stoke came in 1972 when he scored the winning goal in the League Cup final against Chelsea, securing the club's first major trophy.
Eastham's international career spanned from 1963 to 1966, during which he earned 19 caps for England and scored 2 goals. He was awarded an OBE in 1973 in recognition of his contributions to football.
After retiring as a player in 1974, Eastham briefly managed Stoke City from 1977 to 1978. He later moved to South Africa, where he continued his involvement in football by coaching children and speaking out against apartheid.
Brazil (FR) on 8th May 1963 aged 26 years, 6 months, 16 days
Denmark (FR) on 3rd July 1966 aged 29 years, 8 months, 11 day
Ireland (FR) on 24th May 1964 aged 27 years, 7 months, 1 day
0
1
POL, 1 - 1, 5th Jan 1966 (FR) 
ESP, 2 - 0, 8th Dec 1965 (FR) 
SWE, 2 - 1, 16th May 1965 (FR) 
FRG, 1 - 0, 12th May 1965 (FR) 
HUN, 1 - 0, 5th May 1965 (FR) 
ARG, 0 - 1, 6th Jun 1964 (TDN) 
USA, 10 - 0, 27th May 1964 (FR) 
POR, 4 - 3, 17th May 1964 (FR) 
URU, 2 - 1, 6th May 1964 (FR) 
SCO, 0 - 1, 11th Apr 1964 (HC) 
NIR, 8 - 3, 20th Nov 1963 (HC) 
FIFA, 2 - 1, 23rd Oct 1963 (FR) 
WAL, 4 - 0, 12th Oct 1963 (HC) 
GDR, 2 - 1, 2nd Jun 1963 (FR) 
TCH, 4 - 2, 29th May 1963 (FR)