It was with great sadness that we learned of the recent death of former attacking midfielder George Eastham.
Born in Blackpool, Lancashire, George followed in the footsteps of his father – also George – who had played with great distinction for Bolton, Blackpool and England. Indeed, George Jr’s career started under his father’s wing at Ards in Northern Ireland where George Sr was manager, but his exciting forward play soon brought him to the attention of the big clubs in England and he joined Newcastle United as a 19 year old in late summer 1956.
The young left footer shone at St James’ Park, scoring 34 goals in 129 games across four seasons but various disputes with the club led him to want a move away from the north-east at the end of his contract in 1959, with Arsenal keen to bring his talents to Highbury.