Finally, a cup medal for Sir Alf

THE contribution of manager Sir Alf Ramsey to England’s World Cup victory in 1966 has at last been recognised by the cup’s organisers.

REWARDED Sir Alf Ramsey REWARDED: Sir Alf Ramsey

Sir Alf’s widow has finally been presented with a medal to mark his vital part in England’s greatest footballing victory from the international football federation, FIFA.

The honour came after a campaign to persuade mean-spirited FIFA bosses to award medals to every member of the team, and not just the players on the pitch.

Under new rules FIFA are paying tribute to every non-playing squad and staff member from every World Cup- winning country from 1930 to 1974.

Two weeks ago 11 former England team members were awarded medals in a ceremony hosted by Gordon Brown.

Among the squad members at the ceremony were Jimmy Armfield, Norman Hunter and Jimmy Greaves.

Sir Alf Ramsey died in April 1999 of prostate cancer.

Jimmy Greaves said: “Sir Alf would have been proud because he would also have got a medal. Had he lived, we might have got them a bit sooner.”

Commenting on the award ceremony, he added: ‘I don’t think any of us expected to get a medal, nor did we want one. But when I heard we were finally getting them, I thought ‘That’s great for the lads. Let’s enjoy it and have a good day.’ And that’s how it’s been.”

World Cup winner George Cohen collected a medal on Sir Alf’s behalf, and delivered it to Sir Alf’s widow, Vicky, in Ipswich yesterday.

As he collected the medal Mr Cohen, 69, the right-back from that World Cup- winning squad and the squad’s vice-captain, said: “Sir Alf Ramsey expected people to behave in a proper manner and he would not allow anything to detract from what he was trying to do, which was to win the World Cup.”

Last night he added: ”He would have loved this. I know he was hugely proud when he received his knighthood and he would be just as happy for all the other players and staff who didn’t receive anything at the time.”

Ex-Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks said: “This is a special day and it is not before time. In many ways this is a crowning moment for Sir Alf Ramsey because although he will have a bust erected at Wembley Stadium soon, this medal is more of an intensely personal thing that I am sure he would be very proud of.

“In terms of Sir Alf’s medal coming to Ipswich, I think it is highly appropriate to say that it is coming home.”

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