Greaves: Forgotten God?

Greaves: Forgotten God?

There are some football players that transcend the game. Jimmy Greaves was one of these players. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the footballing Gods of today, but it will absolutely not do to forget the football Gods of yesterday. It is almost scandalous to not have the name ‘Jimmy Greaves’ in conversations about the greatest attacking players of all time. It is our duty as football fans to remember and remind ourselves of the heroes of old.

Jimmy Greaves scored 386 goals in 566 appearances. 220 of these goals were for Tottenham Hotspur, for which he played 321 games. To any statistically inclined football fan, this will immediately stand out as an outrageously good record. But for those who are, forgivably, not so inclined, here are what those statistics mean:

Player	Club Appearances	Club Goals
Jimmy Greaves	566	386
Alan Shearer	559	283
Gary Lineker	460	238
Kenny Dalglish	559	230
George Best	586	207
Kevin Keegan	592	204
Michael Owen	362	163

You will notice here that Greaves scored more goals in his time at Tottenham than Owen, Keegan and Best did in their entire careers. An outstanding achievement. What is also important is the number of appearances Jimmy Greaves had – 566. Evidently longer than some of his future counterparts, but not so long as to expect a goal return such as his.  

Chelsea being Greave’s first club, he made his first team debut at the age of seventeen. He invariably scored. By 1961, Jimmy Greaves had become the youngest player to score 100 goals in England’s top division. He was 21. The equivalent record for the current Premier League is held by Michael Owen, who reached 100 goals at 23 years and 133 days. 1961 is also the year his career truly took off. While a respected goal scorer for Chelsea and then AC Milan, Greaves had not yet hit stardom. Greaves later revealed in an interview Moving to Milan was a mistake because of his ‘inability to settle down’.¹ Despite this restlessness, Greaves managed to bag nine goals in 14 games. Tottenham Hotspur, under the management of Bill Nicholson, bought Jimmy Greaves for £99,999 from Milan. This was done so Greaves did not feel the pressure of being the first £100,000 player. This does demonstrate the value Greaves commanded before his career had reached its peak. It also signifies the start of the decade in which Greaves would achieve a God-like status. 

In his first game for Tottenham he turned out for their reserves against Plymouth Argyle, scoring 5 goals in front of a bumper crowd of 13,000 fans. This was a sign of things to come, but not before the transfer was cleared by the league registration office. Because he had transferred from Italy, and the very specific transfer fee, the move was investigated.² Fortunately, on December 15, The Times reported Greaves had been given the all-clear. They wrote ‘let us hope that this will be the last headline of a wretched and prolonged affair’ and ‘all he (Greaves) has to do now…is to score his usual goal for his new friends’.³ On his league debut for Tottenham, Greaves faced off against Blackpool. In a 5-2 victory, Greaves netted a hat-trick. Typical, eh?

Greaves was a revelation for Tottenham. Scoring week in week out, it came as a shock when he was left out of England’s World Cup team in the 1966 World Cup. This was for several reasons. The first was Greaves suffered a sports hernia in the group stages, allowing Geoff Hurst to play and play well, scoring in the group stages. There was also the matter of Greave’s relationship with the England manager Alf Ramsey, which was tenuous at best.⁴ Despite being in the squad only the starting players were awarded a World Cup winners medal, and Greaves had to wait until 2009 to receive his. Greave’s real success came at club level. For Tottenham Hotspur, Greave’s had far too many high points to cover all of them but there are two that stand out. The first is Tottenham’s capture of the FA cup against Burnley in May 1962. It was expected to be a tightly fought affair, with Burnley second in the league and Tottenham the holders of the trophy. The press anticipated ‘a connoisseurs match’, due to the tactical competency of both sides, and even entertained the possibility of it being ‘the best FA Cup Final we have seen’.⁵ Although The Times predicted a Spurs win, the nation’s imaginations were captured by the match up. Some 100,000 fans attended the game, along with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.⁶ The game finished 3-1 to Tottenham, helped by a Greaves goal only three minutes in. The game itself was very entertaining, giving the fans ‘everything they hoped’, according to a press release two days later.⁷ It was also reported that ‘as the crowd roared its salute and the voice of North London rose in triumph, we knew that this was England’.⁸ In the same article, attention was quickly turned to Tottenham’s game in the Cup Winners Cup final, against Atletico Madrid.

The second high point of Greave’s days at Spurs came at Rotterdam in the European Cup Winners Cup Final, in which the England side were not the favourites. Justifiably so, as Atletico were a tremendous side at this point. So good in fact, Jimmy Greaves has since commented on how nervous the usually stoic Bill Nicholson was before the game.⁹ To the nation’s surprise, the result was 5-1 to Tottenham. They won ‘against all portents’, reported The Times, and Jimmy Greaves was key.¹⁰ After hitting the post and looking lively in the first ten minutes, the first goal of the game was scored by Tottenham’s talisman Greaves. He then got his second to make it 4-1 in the 80^th minute. The game was a spectacle of attacking talent, with our man as the centrepiece. This secured Tottenham’s claim to be the first British team to bring home a major European championship, and cemented Greaves’s place in English football history.

Greaves carried on his goal scoring form until his retirement. It is a huge mistake for Jimmy Greaves never to be awarded with personal rewards, marred by his unfortunate lack of playing time in the 1966 World Cup. There were not many players around in the twentieth century that could unite the nation’s football fans playing for his club, but Jimmy Greaves did. We should not judge players solely on their international success, or lack of. Club football requires far more consistency. It is worth imagining what Greave’s legacy would have been should he had been in Hurst’s place in the World Cup final. It is safe to say this piece, trying to ensure he is not forgotten, would not have had to be written.

By Kian Aspinall

Endnotes

   

   1-      Moore, Brian. ‘Jimmy Greaves Story’. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRjs7AX3GXk (accessed July 3 2020)  

   2-      ‘League Clear Greaves’. The Times, 15 December. 1961.

   3-      The Times, 15 December. 1961.

   4-      Dave Bowler, Winning isn’t Everything: A biography of Sir Alf Ramsey. (Orion: London) p.96

   5-      ‘Spurs Better Fitted to Defy Wembley Twists’. The Times, 5 May. 1962.

   6-      The Times, 5 May. 1962.

   7-      ‘Sophisticated Spurs Still Maturing’. The Times, 7 May. 1962.

   8-      The Times, 7 May. 1962.

   9-      Moore, Brian. ‘Jimmy Greaves Story’.

  10-   ‘Spurs Recapture Their Glories of Old’. The Times, 16 May. 1963.

Spectres of Nazism and The Battle of Trafalgar Square

Spectres of Nazism and The Battle of Trafalgar Square

Fascism and Nazism was very much alive in sixties Britain. Despite countless social, cultural and political progressions they had not died in 1945. There were several organisations on the far right in Britain during this period, so it is strange there is an absence of historical studies into these extremist groups.[1] Accepting that Nazism has not perished and subsequently obtaining the ability to recognise British Nazism is vital if we are to guard against it. 

It is generally accepted that of these extremist groups the most dangerous and blatant was the National Socialist Movement (NSM).[2] Open Hitler worship, a transnational approach and media coverage gave this group far more significance than its numbers suggest it deserves. Reports on the group’s membership vary, some stating it held less than 100 members at its peak.³ It is briefly worth noting that numbers do not reveal the scope of Nazi or Fascist presence in a society, as Martin Pugh demonstrates in Hurrah for the Blackshirts.⁴ The leader of the NSM was Colin Jordan, a persistent figure on the extreme right of British politics during the 20^th century and was well known for his passionate admiration of Hitler. Before World War Two broke out, a conflict Jordan interestingly fought in, he visited Germany as a schoolboy in 1937. Stating in an interview in his later years, Jordan could not help a feeling of ‘euphoria’, ‘joyfulness’ and ‘excitement for the future’ during his stay in Nazi Germany.⁵ It will come to you as no surprise then, that when National Socialism was once again the subject of tabloids, Colin Jordan was leading the Nazi charge. An NSM rally in Trafalgar Square on July 1^st, 1962 marks what Paul Jackson labels a ‘watershed’ in the group’s history.⁶ It also neatly demonstrates Nazism had not totally vanished in 1945, as is sometimes assumed. The rally itself ended up descending into chaos. The Times extensively covered the rally recording some 2000 protesters, with sympathisers of the NSM looking rather uncomfortable.⁷ Jordan espoused openly racist rhetoric at the meeting, claiming ‘Hitler was right’ and that ‘we should have been fighting the world Jewry’ instead of Nazi Germany in World War Two.⁸ NSM banners read ‘Free Britain From Jewish Control’.⁹ The situation quickly spiralled out of control when the police formed a protective cordon around the Nazi speakers. This cordon was swiftly broken. Retreating to their suitably damaged getaway vehicles the speakers escaped, and as they fled would have seen their banner burned by protesters – a satisfying image and end to The Battle of Trafalgar Square.

What is the importance of this rally? Its relevancy stands as a warning. In a decade where countless progressions were made, the spectre of anti-modernism remained, its manifestation found in Nazi groups such as the NSM. It is not uncommon for Fascism or Nazism to be viewed as epochal, confined to a certain period and no longer possible. Unsurprisingly, this has become a hotly debated topic within History and other disciplines. Ernst Nolte famously took this position in Three Faces of Fascism, first published in English 1966.¹⁰ Articulately placing ‘fascism in its epoch’, it is difficult to overstate impact Nolte’s work had and still has on the historical study of Fascism. However, rallies such as the one discussed here should keep us vigilant to the recurring spectres of Nazism, or there will be many more battles to come.

By Kian Aspinall

     1-‘The Transnational Reaction to1968: Neo-Fascist Fronts and Political Cultures in France and Italy, The Journal of Contemporary History, Vol.17, No.2 (2008), pp. 213-236 (p.214)

    2-  Richard Thurlow, Fascism in Britain: From Oswald Mosley’s Blackshirts to the National Front (London: I.B Tauris & Co Ltd, 2009) p.231

   3- Paul Jackson, Colin Jordan and Britain’s Neo-Nazi Movement: Hitler’s Echo (London: Bloomsbury Academic, 2016) p. 121

    4-  Martin Pugh, ‘Hurrah for the Blackshirts’ Fascists and Fascism in Britain Between the Wars (London: Jonathon Cape, 2005) p. 24

    5- Jordan, Colin. ‘Colin Jordan Interviewed by British Movement’. Bit Chute. https://www.bitchute.com/video/UqLB2ObY1HqX/. (Accessed July 3, 2020)

   6-  Paul Jackson, Colin Jordan and Britain’s Neo-Nazi Movement. p.118

    7-  ’20 Arrested in Clashes: National Socialist Leaders Mobbed’, The Times, 2 July. 1962.

    8-  Richard Thurlow, Fascism in Britain. p. 236

   9-   ‘”Nazi” Rally Prosecutions Considered’, The Times, 4 July. 1962.

         10- Ernst Nolte, Three Faces of Fascism: Action Francaise, Italian Fascism, and National Socialism, trans. Leila Vennewitz (New York: Holt, Rineheart and Winston, 1966), p. 421-422

George Best: “The Fifth Beatle”

In many ways, George Best personified the Sixties. Best was a Northern Irish footballer who played on the wing for Manchester United for the lion’s share of his career. Best’s skill was indisputable; he made his debut in the First Division on 14^th September 1963, aged just 17. His first career goal came on 28^th December against Burnley, in what was just his second appearance. From then on, things only got better for Best. In the 1964-65 season, Best made his debut for Northern Ireland and won the First Division title with Manchester United. Best went on to win the title again with United in the 1966-67 season as well as two Charity Shields and the prestigious European Cup in 1968. In the same year as United’s European Cup triumph, Best received the Balon d’Or – the highest individual accolade that recognised him as the best footballer in the world in that year.

However, Best’s fame was not limited to the pitch. For many, George Best was the first true football celebrity; instantly recognisable in much the same way as David Beckham is today. Best was known for his looks and his extravagant lifestyle, famously joking “in 1969 I gave up women and alcohol - it was the worst 20 minutes of my life”. Best’s looks, lifestyle and personality produced the nickname “El Beatle” or the “Fifth Beatle” – though this lifestyle would eventually become too much for him.

In 1967, Best opened a fashion boutique in Sale named Edwardia, producing clothing for both men and women. Amongst Edwardia’s collection was Mod-style clothing, particularly smart suits. Best’s journey into the world of fashion only furthered his celebrity image and cemented his status as a Sixties icon. Best was undoubtedly responsible for the growth of a celebrity image of footballers even outside of the game. For example, in more recent times Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham have achieved worldwide, iconic celebrity status. In much the same way as Best, both men are also responsible for clothing lines as well as fragrances and many more. However, as Best’s personal life deteriorated, so too did his stake in the fashion business and Edwardia eventually closed its doors by the 1970’s.

Best often joked about his lifestyle and alcoholism, but these issues troubled him greatly particularly after his playing career. Best was twice convicted for drink driving, he once assaulted a police officer and was often drunk during his public appearances. The former image of a charismatic personality was sadly fading and by 2002 Best required a liver transplant. Tragically, this failed to stop Best’s struggle with alcoholism and, following complications after the procedure, he passed away after multiple organ failure.

As a football celebrity, Best was the first of his kind and - in many ways - an embodiment of the changing times of the Sixties. Best was the first to transcend football and become an icon to young men and women alike. Although Best will always be recognised as one of the greatest football players of all time, he will be remembered also by his lifestyle, personality and his celebrity status.

by Connor Epps

Muhammad Ali: Transcending Sport

There are few athletes who we can honestly say transcended their sport to become truly iconic. However, when we think of sporting icons many people think of Muhammad Ali. As if he needs any introduction, Muhammad Ali was an American heavyweight boxer, philanthropist and political activist. Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky and was named Cassius Clay before converting to Islam in 1964 and taking the name Muhammad Ali. 

There were many reasons why Muhammad Ali was so special – most obviously his boxing ability. Ali was an Olympic champion at the age of 18, winning light-heavyweight gold in the 1960 Olympic Games in Italy. Following this success, Ali turned professional and in 1964 became heavyweight champion defeating Sonny Liston by way of technical knockout. Ali retired from boxing in 1981 a three-time heavyweight champion having been involved in a series of iconic fights, most notably the “Thrilla in Manila” against Joe Frazier and “The Rumble in the Jungle” against George Foreman – both of which reportedly achieved an estimated one billion worldwide

 viewers. Ali’s boxing legacy remains untouchable to this day, as many fans today still consider him to be the greatest heavyweight of all time.

Ali was an unusual boxer; impossibly fast and agile for a heavyweight. Ali was set apart further from other boxers by his charisma. Ali truly was the pioneer of “trash-talk” that is perhaps more commonplace in today’s sporting climate. Ali remarked that Sonny Liston was “too ugly to be world champ” and possibly his most famous line “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” is known the world over. Ali set a new standard of entertainment that sport stars today are still following.

However, Ali truly transcended sport with his opposition to the American war in Vietnam. Ali fiercely opposed the war and refused to be drafted to military service, citing his religious beliefs. This act of defiance turned Ali into a controversial figure in the United States; he was subsequently stripped of his title, his boxing license was suspended and he was sentenced to five years in prison – though he would serve no time and this sentence would be later overturned. In standing up for what he believed in, Ali sacrificed his prime sporting years, his income and his passion – though one thing that was never under threat was his legacy. Ali became an inspirational figure for countless people across the globe, permanently redefining what it meant to be a truly great athlete.

In many ways, Muhammad Ali was a true anomaly; an impossible combination of unrivalled talent, sharp wit and charisma as well as the courage to stand up in what he believed in. Ali has created the blueprint for sports stars on how to become truly iconic, although few can match what he achieved.

by Connor Epps