Many of us will be looking forward to watching the Euros this summer – hoping that this might be our team’s year!  Although Tameside sits right on the door step of the 2023/24 season Premier League winners Manchester City, we have an array of non-league clubs across the borough which includes Curzon Ashton who play their home games at the Tameside Stadium. If you have ever visited the stadium you may have seen the statue of the three World Cup winner’s who hailed from the Tameside area. Unveiled on 20/12/2010 the bronze sculpture was designed by Andy Edwards.

‍

Sir Geoff Hurst MBE -Born in 1941.

‍

Born in Ashton-Under-Lyne and spending most of his playing career at West Ham United Sir Geoff Hurst was the first ever player to score a hat-trick in a world cup final, this hat-trick was scored in the 1966 World Cup final versus West Germany when England won 4-2. He is the last surviving medal holder from the 1966 team following the death of Sir Bobby Charlton in 2023.  Sir Geoff Hurst was also a talented cricket player who played for Essex second XI- he played one first class match for Essex versus Lancashire before deciding to focus on his football career.

‍

Jimmy Armfield CBE – 1935-2018

‍

Born James Christopher Armfield in Denton. Jimmy Armfield spent all his career playing for Blackpool after his family relocated to the seaside town during the Second World War. If you visit Bloomfield Road you will also see a statue of Jimmy Armfield outside the stadium. Armfield was named in the 1966 world cup squad but injury forced him out which resulted in him not receiving a winner’s medal as these were only handed out to the starting eleven. Following a campaign by the FA ,FIFA eventually awarded medals to all the squad members with Armfield receiving his medal in 2009 at Downing Street from then Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

‍

Simone Perrotta – Born 1977

‍

Born in Ashton-Under-Lyne. Perrotta moved to Italy with his family in 1982. Whilst living in Ashton-Under-Lyne Perrotta attended St Ann’s Primary School, Burlington Street. Eligible to play for both England and Italy Perrotta made the decision to play for Italy and went on to win the World Cup in 2006 when his side won 5-3 after beating France in a penalty shoot-out following a 1-1 draw. During his playing career Perrotta spent time at Juventas, Bari and Roma.

‍

“England’s loss was very much Italy and Roma’s gain “ – AS Roma

‍

‍

The legacy of these three World Cup winners from Tameside serves as a powerful reminder of the borough's rich football heritage. As we cheer for our teams in the upcoming Euros, let us also take pride in the remarkable achievements of Sir Geoff Hurst, Jimmy Armfield, and Simone Perrotta, whose contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark on football history. Their stories continue to inspire future generations of players and fans alike, proving that greatness can emerge from any corner of the world, including right here in Tameside.

‍