My name is Ray Howard. In 1966 I was a football mad 15 year old living in Newcastle upon Tyne. My mother came from a small village called Methven just outside Perth, Scotland. My father and I had watched the majority of the matches leading up to the 1966 final at home in Newcastle but we had to make our annual holiday pilgrimage to my grandparents in Methven before the semi-finals. I was devastated having to travel to Methven before the semi-finals and final as I knew my grandparents did not have a TV and we would end up having to listen to the remaining matches on the radio only.
While at my grandparents I made friends with a number of boys playing football in the village park. They knew I was English and England had won their semi-final and were in the final. More importantly I made sure they knew my grandparents didn’t have a TV, and they were all willing to let my Dad and me watch the final on TV in their houses. I spoke with my Dad and we agreed to take up the offer from one of my friends who lived just around the corner from my grandparents. We duly turned up at my friend's house in plenty of time for the final to find a house full of half a dozen Scotsmen who as you can imagine were not the most ardent England supporters. My friends house was situated in a bit of a valley and because of this the TV reception wasn’t the best in the world. It was like watching the match through a snow storm in the middle of July at times. My Dad and I watched the whole game including extra time in a very subdued manner but enjoyed every minute of the spectacle. I always wish we’d been at our own home in Newcastle but then at least we got to see the match even if the picture wasn’t that great. The Scots guy’s were very gracious and agreed the best team won but I always have the feeling they would have been just as happy if Germany had won.
Probably the only place more intimidating to have watched the 1966 final would have been Germany itself.
I will be 65 this year but can remember watching the match and the celebrations of Nobby Stiles, Alan Ball, Bobby Charlton etc as they waltzed around Wembley as though it was yesterday. England winning the World Cup will always be one of my fondest memories and a memory I will take with me to my grave. A great great day!
Ray Howard
Memory added on August 25, 2016
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