Seventy Seven Not Out.

George Eastham.

Remembered best for bringing about the changes in the transfer system, Eastham was well liked at Newcastle until the transfer saga, and was a good skilful and creative player. He celebrates his 77th birthday today.

While a popular player at SJP, George's spell as a Newcastle player is remembered for a contractual dispute that was ultimately to lead to ground-breaking changes in the transfer system.

Attempting to secure a transfer in December 1959, George found his request refused by United who retained his registration the following summer when his contract expired, playing his final game for the club in a 1-0 home loss to Manchester City in April 1960.

Refusing to sign on the terms offered meant that George was unable to play and was forced to work as a cork tile salesman in order to receive a wage (in the Guildford area, far away from the North East).

A £47,500 transfer was ultimately concluded to Arsenal, but Eastham (backed by the PFA) maintained his stance against the "retain and transfer" system and ultimately mounted a successful challenge in the High Court.

Enduring crowd abuse upon his return to SJP with the Gunners, George's time at Highbury proved also to be somewhat problematic, with a dispute over wages 1961 and a change in playing style seeing him transfer -listed the following year.