Leeds United's World Cup heroes of 1966 remembered | OneFootball

Leeds Central Library is honouring Leeds United’s 1966 World Cup heroes with a display as England’s current side prepare for summer.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, a photograph of Jack Charlton and Norman Hunter returning to Leeds goes on show alongside a book signed by Elland Road greats in the heritage and research section from today.

Both items date from August 3, 1966, when Lord Mayor Alderman Joshua S Walsh hosted a civic reception at Leeds Civic Hall after the 4-2 extra-time win over West Germany at Wembley, still England men’s only World Cup triumph.

The image features Charlton, Hunter, the Lord Mayor and trainer Les Cocker. Don Revie attended, and Cocker also served as assistant to England boss Alf Ramsey, while Hunter provided defensive cover without playing.

Reports at the time said Alderman Walsh had never watched a match until the final, which still kept him glued to his television with tremendous excitement.

Special collections librarian Antony Ramm said it was incredible to picture those figures returning, and that it was a source of pride for the city. He added that revisiting the moment could lift excitement for this summer.

England’s World Cup campaign begins against Croatia on Wednesday, June 17 in Arlington, USA. Councillor Asghar Khan called it a historic moment for Leeds and England and hoped the display would help start a memorable summer.

The photograph is also on Leodis, Leeds Libraries’ online archive of more than 75,000 images, free at www.leodis.net.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk