Geoff Hurst, the legendary English footballer celebrated for his remarkable achievements on the pitch, is equally devoted to his family. Born on December 8, 1941, Hurst made history by becoming one of only two men to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final, a feat accomplished during the 1966 World Cup when England triumphed 4–2 over West Germany at the iconic Wembley Stadium.
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His illustrious football journey began with West Ham United, where he etched his name in the record books, amassing 242 goals in 500 appearances for the first team. His time at West Ham was punctuated by significant victories, including the FA Cup in 1964 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965. In 1972, Stoke City secured his services in a transfer worth £80,000, and with the club, he clinched the Watney Cup in 1973.
Geoff Hurst’s passion for football knew no boundaries. Beyond the United Kingdom, he ventured to Ireland to play for Cork Celtic and across the Atlantic to represent the Seattle Sounders in the United States. Upon his return to England, he transitioned to management, guiding the non-league club Telford United. He also contributed significantly to coaching within the England setup and served as Chelsea’s manager from 1979 to 1981. Later in his career, he delved into coaching with Kuwait SC before shifting his focus to his burgeoning business interests.
Throughout his international career, Geoff Hurst accumulated 24 goals in 49 appearances for the England national team. In addition to his iconic 1966 World Cup victory, he participated in the UEFA Euro 1968 and the 1970 FIFA World Cup. An interesting sidelight of his sporting journey includes a brief stint in cricket, with a single appearance for Essex in 1962, where he also donned the wicket-keeper’s gloves. While his cricket debut was short-lived, his enthusiasm for sports was evident throughout his life.
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Hurst’s connection with the sporting world goes back to his early years. Managed by his father, Geoff even made an appearance for Halstead Town reserves at the tender age of approximately 14.
In November 2020, Geoff Hurst made headlines with a significant and heartfelt gesture. He pledged to donate his brain for research into dementia after his passing. This decision was influenced by the heart-wrenching experiences of several of his 1966 World Cup-winning teammates, including Jack Charlton, Martin Peters, Ray Wilson, and Nobby Stiles, who battled dementia. His commitment to this cause came at a crucial time, following Bobby Charlton’s dementia diagnosis.
Beyond his sporting endeavors, Geoff Hurst’s association with Stoke City F.C. extended to ownership of the Royal Oak Inn in Eccleshall.
Geoff Hurst’s family has played a significant role in his life journey. He and his wife, Judith, share three children who have been an integral part of his life. Let’s meet them:
- Claire Hurst: Claire fought a courageous battle against a brain tumor for a decade. Her unwavering spirit touched the lives of many before she tragically passed away in 2010.
- Joanne Hurst: Joanne has been a pillar of support for her father and remains an essential part of the Hurst family.
- Charlotte Hurst: Charlotte, another cherished member of the Hurst family, has shared in the joys and trials of her father’s remarkable life.
Geoff Hurst’s legacy extends far beyond the football pitch, touching the hearts of his family, friends, and fans alike. His contributions to both sports and society remain an enduring testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and family bonds.
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