Jeff Astle, Albion's Cup hero of 1968, dies at 59
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Football is mourning Jeff Astle, who died suddenly on Saturday. The former West Bromwich Albion and England striker, who represented his country in the 1970 World Cup, was taken to the Queen's Hospital in Burton-on-Trent after collapsing suddenly at his daughter's home.
The 59-year-old, who won five England caps, scored the extra-time winner in Albion's 1968 FA Cup final win over Everton and struck 137 goals in 292 league appearances for the Baggies. His name, though, will live on as the striker who failed to score a vital equaliser against Brazil in Mexico.
West Brom's chief executive and Astle's former team-mate John Wile described the striker as "a master of his art".
"I have never seen anyone head the ball like it. He was magnificent," said Wile. "I don't think it is cheap to say he was a legend at West Brom. He was a fantastic player and a great guy. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family."
The former England captain Alan Mullery said: "Sir Alf Ramsey said the squad in 1970 was better than the team that won the World Cup in 1966, so it just shows you how good a player Jeff was."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments