World Cup 1966: Magical day for brothers

Brothers Michael, left, and Peter Boden who were at 1966 final and their collection of tickets, programmes and memorabilia from the historic day

OLDHAM brothers Peter and Michael Boden have recalled their experience of England's 1966 World Cup final win on the eve of its 50th anniversary.

The Chadderton-born duo went to the famous match at Wembley with their dad.

They took an early train down to London, Peter (63), recalls and then went sightseeing.

"We went down to the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, up the Mall, and then to No 10 before heading off to Wembley.

Barrier

"We walked down Wembley Way and we were quite early.

"I seem to remember being one of the first in the ground."

Michael (59) continued: "We got in front of a barrier, because I was only nine, Peter was 13 and we wanted to get a good position for me really, I was tiny. We were positioned right along the goal line.

Peter acknowledged that they were "lucky lads" to have got tickets from their dad's work colleague.

"My dad had a guy working for him who was president of the Manchester Amateur FA and he gave us three tickets."

Younger brother Michael pointed out the incredibly low ticket prices: "The ticket has got 10 shillings on. That's 50p now!"

The pair recalled how they had a great view of Sir Geoff Hurst's controversial third goal, but when they were asked if they thought it had crossed the line, both responded: "Absolutely!"

England went on to win as Michael remembered the celebrations.

"My dad lifted me on his shoulders to watch the cup being paraded around the ground.

"It was just a special day."

Peter also remembered one notable celebration from England player Nobby Stiles: "He didn't have any teeth in and he started doing a bit of a jig, skipping down and dancing around the pitch, that's something I'll always remember."

"We got back at about 10 or 11 that night.

"Obviously we didn't realise the significance of the victory then, the fact that it has been England's onlymajor trophy."

Neither of the brothers are optimistic about England winning it again any time soon, but they have great memories from 1966.

Michael summed it up: "There are days in your life that you remember and this was one of them."