Sir Geoff Hurst
Born on the 8th December, 1941.
After moving to Chelmsford, Essex in 1949 at the age of 8, Sir Geoff went to school at Kings Road primary where he divided his sporting interest between cricket and football. Excelling in both, it wasn’t until he turned seventeen that football started to dominate his ambitions: his first job interview after leaving school was a trial at West Ham United.
Initially a strong running midfielder, the manager, Ron Greenwood, spotted Sir Geoff’s talent as a striker and moved him to centre forward, the position he was to play for his entire football career.
In 1964, West Ham won the FA Cup with Sir Geoff scoring the second equaliser in a tight game with Preston North End at Wembley. Also that year he married Judith Harries whom he had met at school. They went on to have three lovely children. A year later, Sir Geoff was back at Wembley with West Ham for the European Cup Winners Cup against 1860 Munich. West Ham won 2-0
Early in 1966, Alf Ramsey, the England manager, named Sir Geoff in the England line-up and included him in the squad that was to compete for the World Cup at Wembley in July of that year. The 30th of July was to be the pivotal moment in his career, and life, when he famously became the only man to score a hat trick in a World Cup Final. His place in the history of football was assured. Sir Geoff Hurst played for England from 1966-1972, making 49 appearances and scoring 24 goals.
Hurst emerged from the Word Cup as a household name after becoming the first and, so far, only player to score a hat trick at a World Cup Final.
He was awarded an MBE in 1977 and a knighthood in 1988.
After finishing his playing career, Sir Geoff went into football management. His management career began as assistant to his ex-West Ham boss, Ron Greenwood. In 1979, he moved on from West Ham to take up the position of manager at Chelsea, a role he held until 1981.
Sir Geoff eventually made the massive decision to leave football behind in 1981 and tackle the business world. He dived in to the insurance world where he stayed until he retired in 2002.
The Sir Geoff Hurst Collection
Just 5 months into his International career, Sir Geoff Hurst made sporting history. To celebrate this unique moment in sporting history the Sir Geoff Hurst Collection introduces a limited edition release of hand signed spirits.