THE widow of a key North-East member of England’s victorious 1966 World Cup squad was presented with a winner’s medal last night.
When England lifted the trophy, it was customary that only the 11 players on the pitch at the final whistle were awarded medals.
But last night, Prime Minister Gordon Brown handed out medals to the remaining squad and their families, after Fifa bowed to a long-running campaign.
One of those attending the reception was the widow of Middlesbrough- born Harold Shepherdson, England manager Sir Alf Ramsey’s right-hand man.
He joined Middlesbrough Football Club as a 16-year-old and went on to be England’s trainer during four World Cup competitions.
His widow, Peggy, was accompanied by her daughter, Linda Spraggon, before the group – including former Leeds United player Norman Hunter, from Eighton Banks, Gateshead – were later presented to the crowd at Wembley before last night’s England match.
Mrs Spraggon said: “It brings a tear to the eye and makes me proud of my dad’s involvement.
“For my mother to meet up with people she spent time with during my dad’s time with England is very special.
“Up until my father’s death, the squad regularly got together. They were a special group with a special bond.
“A lot of these people have remained life-long friends, and we all hope another England team will emulate their achievement.”
Mr Shepherdson was called up into the Army during the Second World War and became a staff sergeant physical training instructor.
After suffering a knee injury, the centre-half’s playing career was cut short at the age of 28, before he became Middlesbrough trainer in 1949.
He was called up to the national side in 1957 and became the longestserving England trainer, taking his national team to four World Cup competitions.
After being awarded an MBE, he was caretaker manager for his beloved Middlesbrough, before retiring from football in 1983.
Mr Shepherdson died of a heart attack in September 1995, aged 84.
Boro chairman Steve Gibson told The Northern Echo: “I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of a world cup medal than Harold, as he served his country with pride for so many years.”
Gordon Brown, Lord Treisman and Geoff Thompson, of Fifa, presented medals to: goalkeepers Peter Bonetti and Ron Springett; right back Jimmy Armfield; left back Gerry Byrne; half backs Ron Flowers and Norman Hunter; right wingers Terry Paine and Ian Callaghan; left winger John Connelly and inside forwards George Eastham and Jimmy Greaves.
Medals were also presented to the families of team physiotherapist Les Cocker and Sir Alf Ramsey.
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