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Sir Stanley Matthews' Centenary
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Stoke celebrates the centenary year of one of Stoke-on-Trent's greatest sons. The former Stoke City and England winger is seen as one of the world's greatest footballers.
This weekend would have been Sir Stanley Matthews 100th birthday ( he was born on 1 February 1915). The former Stoke City, Blackpool and England winger is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers the world has ever seen. Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Stoke celebrates the centenary year of one of Stoke-on-Trent's greatest sons.
Last on
Wed 4 Feb 2015
18:00
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Stoke
Pre-war star
Stan warms his hands as groundsmen try to thaw out Stoke City's frozen Victoria Ground pitch with coal-burning braziers in December 1938.Β
He'd been at Stoke City for eight seasons when World War Two broke out in September 1939.
He'd been at Stoke City for eight seasons when World War Two broke out in September 1939.
Father's dying wishes
When Jack Matthews died in 1945, he made Stan promise two things: take care of his mother, and win an FA Cup final.Β
Stan transferred to Blackpool in 1947 and after two runners-up medals in 1948 and 1951, and winning the inaugural Footballer Of The Year award in 1948, he considered a return to Stoke City in 1952.Β
Blackpool manager Joe Smith was to sayΒ "a lot of people think I'm mad, but even though you're 37, I believe your best football is still to come." His promise came true, and reaching his third final in May 1953, Stan helped Blackpool beat Bolton 4-3.
Stan transferred to Blackpool in 1947 and after two runners-up medals in 1948 and 1951, and winning the inaugural Footballer Of The Year award in 1948, he considered a return to Stoke City in 1952.Β
Blackpool manager Joe Smith was to sayΒ "a lot of people think I'm mad, but even though you're 37, I believe your best football is still to come." His promise came true, and reaching his third final in May 1953, Stan helped Blackpool beat Bolton 4-3.
The Matthews Final
Reaching his third FA Cup final with Blackpool in 1953, the team were losing 1-3 to Bolton with just 22 minutes remaining. Stan then inspired an incredible fightback, with two assists, including the cross for winner with only seconds of injury time left to play.Β
The game became popularly known as "The Matthews Final", and in 2014, his winner's medal was sold at auction, fetching Β£220,000.Β
The game became popularly known as "The Matthews Final", and in 2014, his winner's medal was sold at auction, fetching Β£220,000.Β
Still going strong
Stan was brought back to Stoke by another club legend, manager Tony Waddington in 1961, at the age of 46.
The club were promoted as Second Division Champions the following season, Stan sealing the promotion with a goal against Luton in the final home game of '62-'63. Stan was voted Footballer Of The Year for the second time, 15 years after he won the inaugural award.Β
The club were promoted as Second Division Champions the following season, Stan sealing the promotion with a goal against Luton in the final home game of '62-'63. Stan was voted Footballer Of The Year for the second time, 15 years after he won the inaugural award.Β
Arise Sir Stan
In early February 1965, Sir Stanley Matthews, who had been knighted in the New Year Honours, played his final league game for Stoke City at the age of 50, helping them to beat Fulham 3-1.Β
Sir Stan calls it time at 50
A farewell testimonial for Sir Stan saw a football league XI take on an International XI at the Victoria Ground. Stars including Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, Jimmy Greaves, Eusebio, Ferenc Puskas and Alfred di Stefano, not to mention thousands of fans, turned up to say farewell to the legendary player.
(Image courtesy of Douglas Miller/Keystone/Getty Images)Β
(Image courtesy of Douglas Miller/Keystone/Getty Images)Β
Broadcasts
- Sat 31 Jan 2015 13:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Stoke
- Wed 4 Feb 2015 18:00Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio Stoke