Ray Wilson Football Hero And England’s 1966 World Cup Winning Left Back Dies Aged 83
- Former footballer Ray Wilson dies aged 83
- Clubs like Huddersfield Town, Terriers, and Everton paid their tribute
- Part of the English team that won the 1966 World Cup
English former footballer and the key member of the 1966-winning team, Ray Wilson has died at the age of 83.
Wilson, who had battled Alzheimer’s disease was diagnosed in 2004 and died on Tuesday night.
“Huddersfield Town is devastated to learn of the pa s sing of World Cup winner Ramon ‘Ray’ Wilson MBE at the age of 83,” read a club statement.
#htafc is devastated to learn of the pa s sing of @England World Cup winner Ramon ‘Ray’ Wilson MBE at the age of 83.
The thoughts of everyone at Town are with Ray’s wife, his sons and the rest of his family and friends at this difficult time.
?? https://t.co/ojODZDyi0R (AT) pic.twitter.com/tq661fFWJn
— Huddersfield Town (@htafcdotcom) May 16, 2018
“Ray is arguably the most successful and best-known player ever to pull on a Huddersfield Town shirt, having been a key member of England’s World Cup-winning team in 1966,” Huddersfield Town said in a statement.
The Terriers said in a statement they were "devastated" to learn of Wilson's death and added: "He was a regular supporter at home match days alongside his eldest son Russell despite battling Alzheimer's disease."
| Everton Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the pa s sing of former player, FA Cup winner and World Cup hero, Ray Wilson MBE.
https://t.co/rfMHaCgbhG pic.twitter.com/nM6UcKlUBT
— Everton (@Everton) May 16, 2018
Everton also paid tribute to their former player, saying Wilson was "unquestionably one of the finest footballers to wear the royal blue jersey."
“A wonderful player who was so well thought of across the game, Ray will forever be remembered for achieving a remarkable Wembley double in 1966."https://t.co/kyYIW0OYq1
— The FA (@FA) May 16, 2018
Former Toffees boss Joe Royle, who made his Everton debut the year Wilson helped them to FA Cup success, said: "He is a World Cup winner and played in the last England team that had four, maybe five, world-cla s s players. He was certainly one of those."
"He was the best of his kind at the time. And he was a top guy, always there with a smile or a helpful word. I played a few reserve games with Ray, and it was like listening to a maestro. He knew his stuff."
RIP RAY WILSON
We had some laughs and some very late nights through the years and even with your illness you carried on coming with us and keeping us on our toes until about six years ago. In many peoples eyes the best English left back ever. Goodbye old friend— Jimmy Greaves (@jimmy_greaves) May 16, 2018
Born on December 17, 1934, in Shirebrook, he was given the name Ramon in tribute to Mexican Hollywood actor Ramon Novarro.
Wilson worked on the railways in his early days and joined Huddersfield at the age of 17. He went on to win the first of his 63 England caps in 1960 when he featured in the 1-1 draw against Scotland. He remains the last Terrier to play at a World Cup while at the club, having played at the 1962 tournament.
Wilson joined Everton in 1964, after 283 appearances. He was part of the Everton that won the FA Cup in 1966, making the silverware memorable. Later, he joined the clubs like Oldham Athletic and Bradford City.
1966 - A Golden Year for Wilson
Wilson was also a member of the English team that won 1966 World Cup. His career ended after suffering a knee injury in the summer of 1968 as well as the emergence of young Leeds United FC full-back Terry Cooper who would be as impressive in the 1970 World Cup as Wilson in 1966.