ENGLAND’S 1966 World Cup hat trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst will be heading to Bromsgrove’s Artrix on Tuesday, March 19.
During the evening, Sir Geoff will talk about his West Ham and England careers and his life in general, with some great stories to tell.
The striker is still the only person who has scored a hat-trick in a World Cup Final.
His friend and agent Terry Baker will compere the evening and in the second half the audience will be able to ask him questions.
Tickets are £27.50 or £50 for VIP tickets, available at artrix.co.uk or by calling 01527 577330.
VIP guests will get to meet Sir Geoff in person, have their photograph taken with him, get a seat in front five rows and have a professional photograph with Sir Geoff and an autograph (either on the picture or on another item).
Ahead of Sir Geoff’s arrival in Bromsgrove, we caught up with him for a question and answer session
Q. What did it feel like to win the World Cup in 1966?
A. It’s hard to put the feeling into words especially in my case because I only made my debut in
1966 so it was all potentially overwhelming. I was young though and it all came so suddenly
but I enjoyed it all.
Q. What was the feeling like with the population after you won?
A. It was less of a major thing in the months after winning the World Cup. We were congratulated
and it was obviously a great achievement. It’s become bigger and bigger with the passage of
time because England haven’t won it subsequently.
Q. Which is your favourite goal in the final?
A. Everywhere I go I’m asked about the hat trick, it all passed in a blur at the time. I guess my
second is best remembered for the accompanying controversy but I view them all as equal.
Q. Who was the best player you played with in your England career?
A. There were many, Bobby Charlton was immense. In the World Cup final Alan Ball was
magnificent. He ran his heart out and he cared so much , his patriotism shone through. Jimmy
Greaves was the best goal scorer in English history and a mate as well, obviously Martin was
my team mate for years and we had a great understanding on the pitch but overall MOORO,
Bobby Moore would be the calming influence and overall leader and quality player that I would
choose as the number one
We have had good chances to win it again especially in 1970 and 1990. I guess it’s surprising
that we never won again but West Germany exacted revenge for our victory over and over
again in subsequent years.
I’m always cautiously optimistic when the World Cup comes around. This time we exceeded
expectations and gave the country a feel good factor for a few weeks. I’m looking forward to
seeing us do well in the Euros in 2020
Q. Which team do you support?
A. West Ham are my team and always will be. However I live a long way from there so I only get
there a couple of times per year.
Q. How did it feel when you were knighted?
A. Obviously it was an honour to be knighted. I don’t know what else to say about that other than
I feel very privileged and to receive for winning something for England is even better.
Q. How do you spend your time these days?
A. I send a lot of time with my wife and grandchildren and see my children as much as possible. I
still attend all England games at Wembley and I make lots of personal appearances such as
the theatre tour I am undertaking next March with Terry and Freda my agents from A1 Sporting
Speakers as well as sportsman’s dinners and lots of corporate events.
Q. Where are your happiest memories from your playing days?
A. My favourite grounds were the old Wembley and Upton Park. Great atmospheres at both and
many happy memories for me
Q. What do you think of the huge amounts of money players are paid these days?
A. Wages have changed , I think I was on about £20 a week in the 1960s but good luck to today’s
players. They exist in a different World today but it’s a short career so let them enjoy it whilst
they can.
Q. Why are you doing this short theatre tour?
A. We did six shows in June 2018 and had such a great time, we wanted to repeat the experience.
It was great fun and really well received. We are looking forward to getting out and about and
meeting the fans of England and hopefully a few West Ham fans as well. It’s always interesting
to have a laugh with the people that have supported football for all these years. I’ve hopefully
got an interesting story to tell and little did I know that on July 31 in 1966 when I was
lucky enough to score my World Cup final hat trick, people would still be asking about it 50
two years later! And the fact that it hasn’t happened since has kept it as a major talking point
