Former Leeds United defender Norman Hunter will receive a World Cup winners medal after all as FIFA decide non-playing squad members should receive the retrospective honour.
Football’s governing body have decided that all squad members, regardless of Final appearances dating back to the very first World Cup should receive a medal for the part they played in their nations triumphs.
In 1966 England’s famous 4-2 victory over the then West Germany, still lies fresh in the memory of supporters, players and officials alike as they try to forget the current version of the nations football heroes and their crushing exit from the Euro 2008 qualifiers. It now appears that FIFA have given the English FA further reason to hark on about the past, rather than concentrating on the future of English football.
That aside, the honours to the individuals have been overall seen as a fantastic thing for the players themselves, as Norman Hunter told Yorkshire Radio of his obvious delight at the news:
“FIFA have sanctioned it, and I’m absolutely delighted, it’s always rankled me that other people in the squad didn’t get any recognition.”
“The only thing I have is a tracksuit that doesn’t fit me and a photograph.”
Hunter made his England debut in 1965 however found his chances limited as he found himself often second choice to the partnership of Charlton and Moore and managed just 28 caps for his country. Whilst selected for the 66 World Cup, the defender played no part in the tournament matches.
Congratulations Norman, an award thoroughly deserved.
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