Home   Medway   News   Article

Keith Cutting,of Knights Road, Hoo recounts 1966 World Cup memories for new book

As the excitement of England’s World Cup Final against West Germany built up, Keith Cutting was resigned to watching the game on telly, like millions of others.

It was July 1966 and little did the junior office clerk know that in a few days he would actually be among the 100,000 cheering on Geoff Hurst, Bobby Moore and the team to victory.

Fifty years on, the Hoo man has recalled that momentous day in a new book giving eyewitness accounts of the nation’s only success in a major football tournament.

Keith Cutting from Hoo
Keith Cutting from Hoo

Keith, of Knights Road, was just 20 and working for Wood McLellan & Williams solicitors in Chatham at the time of England’s clash with West Germany, but the historic clash at Wembley still burns bright in his memory.

Keith, who grew up as a Gillingham fan, recalled how he had tried everything to get hold of a ticket before a stroke of luck just a few days before the final.

He said: “A receptionist called Mary Endicott who worked at the solicitors said that her son had won a 10s standing ticket in a raffle but had no interest in going.

“I decided I had to have it. I paid £2 for it, which was quite a lot of money for a junior clerk, but if you want to go to the World Cup Final, that is the kind of sacrifice you have to make.”

Bobby Moore planting an enthusiastic kiss on the World Cup trophy
Bobby Moore planting an enthusiastic kiss on the World Cup trophy

On the day of the match, Keith travelled alone by train, arriving three hours before kick-off, and waited for the turnstiles to open.

“The atmosphere was building,” he said. “I got talking to a couple of Everton supporters who’d travelled down and, in my naivety, I said how lucky they were being able to watch Everton one week and Liverpool the next.

“They soon put me right and said they would far rather watch Tranmere Rovers than be seen at Anfield!”

Like many people when they first visit Wembley, Mr Cutting was struck by the pitch: “It looked just like a snooker table, so smooth and green. I’d never seen anything like it.”

Keith found himself behind the goal where Hurst scored his third and England’s fourth.

A new book features memories of those who saw the 1966 World Cup final
A new book features memories of those who saw the 1966 World Cup final

He remembers Alan Ball’s never-say-die performance and feeling sick to the pit of his stomach after West Germany’s last-gasp equaliser – and then almost losing his mind when Hurst’s clincher went in.

On the way back home, Keith bought a special classified edition of an evening paper and rushed back home to watch the highlights before making a treasured diary entry.

“I’m very proud to have been there,” he said. “I feel privileged to have been present when England obtained the ultimate footballing achievement.”

66 on ‘66: I Was There, Memories from English Football’s Greatest Day, by Matt Eastley, is published by Pitch Publishing, RRP: £19.99.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More