George Eastham

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Lore & Background

Eastham began his career with Northern Irish side Ards before moving back to England to play for Newcastle United in 1956. He became an inside forward for them but then demanded a move away which Newcastle rejected. Eastham went to court and won his case before moving to Arsenal. Eastham spent six seasons at Highbury, making 223 appearances scoring 41 goals before joining Stoke City in 1966. His experience helped Stoke enjoy a successful spell in the early 1970s and Eastham scored the winning goal in the 1972 League Cup Final. Eastham also spent time coaching in South Africa, playing for Hellenic before returning to Stoke to become assistant manager to Tony Waddington. When Waddington resigned in March 1977 Eastham was appointed manager but was unable to prevent Stoke being relegated in 1976–77. After failing to mount a promotion challenge the following season Eastham was sacked in January 1978. He then returned to coach in South Africa.

In Their Own Story

The defining moment of Eastham's life occurred not on the pitch but in the High Court. In 1959, Newcastle United refused to let him go after he disputed the habitability of his club-supplied house and objected to an unsatisfactory secondary job arranged due to maximum wage rules. With his contract expiring, he requested a transfer, only to be blocked by the 'retain-and-transfer' system which allowed clubs to keep registration while withholding wages. Eastham went on strike at the end of the 1959–60 season, working as a cork seller in Guildford for more money than his football contract paid. Backed by the Professional Footballers' Association with £15,000 in legal fees, he took Newcastle to court in 1963. He argued the system was an unfair restraint of trade and sought unpaid wages and bonuses. Judge Mr Justice Wilberforce ruled that while Eastham's claim for back pay failed because he refused to play, the 'retain' element of the system was unreasonable. This victory reformed the British transfer market, introducing a tribunal for disputes and granting players fairer terms.

Reader's Guide

Eastham moved to Arsenal in October 1960, before his court case against Newcastle United, which took place in 1963. The court case was a landmark that reduced the retain-and-transfer system, but Eastham had already joined Arsenal by then.

Did You Know?

• Eastham scored the winning goal in the 1972 League Cup Final for Stoke City.
• He was part of England's 1966 World Cup-winning squad but did not play in the tournament.
• Eastham was appointed an OBE for services to football in 1973.