Everyone at KUMB.com would like to wish Sir Trevor Brooking a very happy 66th birthday.
Arguably West Ham United's greatest living legend, Brooking - born on 2 October 1948 - spent virtually his entire career at the Boleyn Ground having made his debut in 1967.Capped 47 times by England, a figure beaten only by Bobby Moore (108 caps), the midfielder made 647 appearances for the Hammers before finally hanging up his boots in 1984 at the age of 35.
However his finest moment came in the 1980 FA Cup Final in which he stooped to meet Stuart Pearson's 13th-minute cross-cum-shot to score the only goal of the game.
In his new book, 'My Life In Football', Brooking reveals it is a moment that he is asked to recall more than any other by supporters. "I remember the goal clear as day," he writes.
"The ball bounced out to Pearson who was at the corner of the 18-yard box on the right of the goal. Like any striker in that position, Stuart decided to shoot rather than pass to a team-mate. It was my good luck that his shot was dragged across the penalty box, hurtling in my direction.
"Simply by falling backwards I was able to divert the ball with my head towards goal. The power of Stuart's shot was such that not even Pat Jennnings or the two full-backs on the line could stop it!
"As the ball flew into the net the goalscorer - me - had a quick look at the referee to make sure he wasn't blowing for some offence and then raced off towards the touchline with arms raised. Billy Bonds grabbed me, demanding: 'What are you doing scoring with your head!?"
To win one of five copies of Sir Trevor's new book, enter the latest KUMB competition.
* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.
