His time with the "Cottagers" is particularly remembered for a match against Hereford United on 25 September 1976 in which he jokingly tackled his own teammate, and old drinking mate, Rodney Marsh. [118], Best continued to drink, and was sometimes seen at his local pub in Surbiton, London. [126] Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) deputy leader and East Belfast Member of Parliament Peter Robinson, in whose constituency Belfast City airport is situated, stated that his preference was a sports stadium be named after Best. "[46] He scored 22 goals in 55 games, though only he and Denis Law scored more than six league goals. After failing to agree terms with Bolton Wanderers in 1981, he was invited as a guest player and played three matches for two Hong Kong First Division teams (Sea Bee and Rangers) in 1982. George is in his 11 th year of involvement with the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®, on his 32 nd event, and has raised over $81,000 in his life towards fighting breast cancer. [101] Earlier in the book it is revealed that he struck another of his girlfriends at least once and was arrested and charged with assault on a waitress, Stevie Sloniecka, in November 1972, when he fractured her nose in Reuben's nightclub, Manchester. [26] That same season, Best captained the Manchester United side that won the 1964 FA Youth Cup, the sixth FA Youth Cup won under the management of Jimmy Murphy, and the first since the 1958 Munich air disaster. Best played for three clubs in the United States: Los Angeles Aztecs, Fort Lauderdale Strikers and later San Jose Earthquakes; he also played for the Detroit Express on a European tour. [84] Best outpaced Banks and headed the ball into the empty goal, but the goal was disallowed by referee Alistair Mackenzie. He was born on 22 May 1946 and grew up in Cregagh, east Belfast. Best's cousin Gary Reid, a member of the Ulster Defence Association, was killed in 1974 during an episode of serious rioting in east Belfast. [45], Best was capped 37 times for Northern Ireland, scoring nine goals. "[53], Best's six goal performance earned him an invitation to No 10 Downing Street from UK Prime Minister Harold Wilson, who had also regularly written fan letters to him. [48] Despite their poor league form, United managed to reach the semi-finals of the European Cup (they had a relatively easy run in getting past the Republic of Ireland's Waterford United, Belgium's Anderlecht, and Austria's Rapid Wien) where they were knocked out 2–1 on aggregate by A.C. Milan following a 2–0 defeat at the San Siro; Milan goalkeeper Fabio Cudicini was the hero after keeping United to only one goal at Old Trafford. His brilliance was simply dazzling – player after player from the New Zealand national team queued up to try to tackle him and he gave them all dancing lessons. [44] Best also won the Ballon d'Or in 1968 after receiving more votes than Bobby Charlton, Dragan Džajić and Franz Beckenbauer. This statistic shows which kit numbers the player already wore during international caps. His first time moving to the club, Best quickly became homesick and stayed for only two days before going back home to Northern Ireland. [67], Playing only five competitive matches for Jewish Guild in South Africa, Best endured criticism for missing several training sessions. George Best was the first child of Richard "Dickie" Best (1919–2008) and Anne Withers (1922–1978). Brian Joy (4), George Best (11), Alan Stephens San Diego Jaws at Los Angeles Aztecs: Johnny Moore (8), George Best (11), San Jose Earthquakes at Los Angeles Aztecs: Dave Clements (6), Pele (10), George Best (11) New York Cosmos at Los Angeles Aztecs April 11, 1976: George Best (11), Pat McBride St. Louis Stars vs. Los Angeles Aztecs [132], In December 2006 the George Best Memorial Trust launched a fund-raising drive to raise £200,000 in subscriptions to pay for a life-size bronze sculpture of George Best. See BBB rating, reviews, complaints, request a quote & more. Heading ability, passing ability, I mean it goes without saying the dribbling – he could beat anybody in any way he chose. A biographical film entitled Best was released in May 2000, with John Lynch portraying George Best. [31] However United failed to win any major honours in the 1965–66 season, and Best was injured from 26 March onwards with a twisted knee following a bad tackle from a Preston North End player. In 1984, he made a fitness album with Mary Stävin called Shape Up and Dance. Although, it became obvious that the club's new recruits were not up to scratch as United dropped to 11th in the league before Busby announced his retirement. [69] He had a brief spell at Cork Celtic from December 1975 to January 1976. The film was slated for release in 2019 with the premiere taking place in London. [9] The Portuguese media dubbed him "O Quinto Beatle", "the fifth Beatle" in English, and on the team's return to England, Best was photographed on the airport tarmac in his new sombrero with the headline, "El Beatle". On 3 October 2005, he was admitted to intensive care at the private Cromwell Hospital in London, suffering from a kidney infection caused by the side effects of immuno-suppressive drugs used to prevent his body from rejecting his transplanted liver. After his death, Brian Kennedy and Peter Corry released a single entitled George Best – A Tribute. For other people named George Best or places and things named after him, see, "It seems impossible to hurt him. [29] He scored the opening goal of the 1965 FA Charity Shield at Old Trafford, which ended in a 2–2 draw with Liverpool. The route was lined with around 100,000 mourners. In August 1982, he played 20 minutes for Scone Thistle against Scone Amateurs; the appearance fee he received helped to pay off an income tax bill. When selecting a nickname for George you will want to ensure that the name you choose is something the person themselves like. [83] Of his nine international goals, four were scored against Cyprus and one each against Albania, England, Scotland, Switzerland and Turkey. [73] He and manager Ken Adam opened "Bestie's Beach Club" (now called "The Underground" after the London subway system) in Hermosa Beach, California in the 1970s, and continued to operate it until the 1990s. [106] When Best played football, salaries were a fraction of what top players earn today, but, with his pop star image and celebrity status, Best still earned a fortune. This statistic shows which squad numbers have already been assigned in their history and to which players. George Best former footballer from Northern Ireland Left Winger * May 22, 1946 in Belfast, Northern Ireland They also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, where a defeat to West Ham United cost Best the chance to break a record; in the final Preston North End's Howard Kendall became the youngest ever player in a FA Cup Final – he shared the same birthday as Best. He played only three league games, the others against Bohemians and Shelbourne, but despite attracting big crowds he failed to score or impress. He played with his former Northern Ireland teammate Derek Spence at Hong Kong. [91] However, he later became known for his long hair, good looks and extravagant celebrity lifestyle, and appeared on Top of the Pops in 1965. He married Alex Pursey in 1995 in Kensington and Chelsea, London. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. [85] Maradona commented: "George inspired me when I was young. [123], His body left the family home at Cregagh Road, East Belfast, shortly after 10:00 UTC on Saturday, 3 December 2005. On his legacy… "They'll forget all the rubbish when I've gone and they'll remember the … The funeral was live on several television stations including BBC One. His grace, agility and ball skills were only eclipsed by his unselfish passing – many love to remark on his goal scoring but he was prodigious as the set-up man. This meant that he had won the three major honours in club football at the age of just 22 (the league title, European Cup, and European Player of the Year award). You could saw his legs away and he still wouldn't fall because his balance was uncanny, almost supernatural. ", "Although the football pitch was his arena, Best was essentially a pop star—young, stylish, strikingly beautiful, possessed of a creative confidence that bordered on arrogance, and worshipped by young men and women alike. The cortege then travelled the short distance to Stormont. [5][6] Recalling Best's career and style of play, Patrick Barclay said: "In terms of ability he was the world's best footballer of all time. May 22, 1946, Place of birth: Find George Best's phone number, address, and email on Spokeo, the leading online directory for contact information. In the Intercontinental Cup, fans and players alike looked forward to seeing United take on Argentine opposition Estudiantes de La Plata over the course of two legs. [84] As Gordon Banks, the English goalkeeper, released the ball in the air in order to kick the ball downfield, Best managed to kick the ball first, which sent the ball high over their heads and heading towards the open goal. Best's last competitive game for the club was on 1 January 1974 against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road, which United lost 3–0. [130] The notes sold out in five days. Northern Ireland, Position: No one has been able to emulate that in football. [92], He opened a nightclub called Slack Alice on Bootle Street in Manchester in 1973 and owned restaurants in the city including Oscars, on the site of the old Waldorf Hotel. David McKittirck, Seamus Kelters, Brian Feeney, Chris Thornton & David McVea, BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award, "50 Greatest Dribblers in World Football History", "John Roberts: 'George Best was reliable only when there was a football", "We have just unearthed a gem from your neck of the woods...", "The Joy of Six: football greats who never made the World Cup", "ACTIVE SPACES: Belfast's Cregagh Green first to benefit from London Marathon Charitable Trust funding", George Best collarette in exhibition-GrandOrangeLodge.co.uk, "Family, friends and team-mates: they were there with George until the very end", George Best's Father, Dickie, Dies Aged 88, “George Best drama: an intrusive film that failed to tell the whole story”, "Your Place And Mine - George Best 1946 - 2005", "Best too small and light for local club as teen", "George Best anniversary: What his fellow football legends say about him", "100 Greatest Sporting Moments – Results", "It was the Best of times, it was the worst of times - town pays tribute", "Best's run with Cork among many regrets", "Caught in Time: George Best joins Hibs, 1979", "Best's time at Hibs a heady cocktail of scandal and skill", "The professionals who played for pub teams". The rest I just squandered. [83], Although Best was mostly renowned for his dribbling skills, he has also drew praise for his ability as a creator; in regard to this ability, Tony Dove commented: "I only had the opportunity to see George play once in person – Man U played a tour game in Auckland, New Zealand, late in the 60s. I clearly remember one run, starting almost from the goal-line, from a roll-out by Stepney, when he evaded every player in the NZ team, one after the other, until he reached the opposite end of the pitch and produced a perfectly floated centre for Charlton's head. [14] Best had four sisters, Carol, Barbara, Julie and Grace, and one brother, Ian (Ian Busby Best). Date of birth/Age: [122] The first match at Old Trafford after Best's death was a League Cup tie against West Bromwich Albion, the club against which he made his debut for Manchester United in 1963. Indie rock band The Wedding Present named their first album George Best, and featured Best on the cover wearing his red Manchester United kit. Shop for Prince George at Best Buy. [27], Though opponents would often use rough play to try to stifle his technical ability, Busby ensured that "fierce, sometimes brutal" training sessions left Best well used to coping with tough challenges. The bewildering repertoire of feints and swerves... and balance that would have made Isaac Newton decide he might as well have eaten the apple.". Best features in EA Sports' FIFA video game series; he was included as an icon in the FIFA 19 Ultimate Team Legends. — Joe Mercer, Manchester City manager, 1969. Remember him at his best. The airport serves worldwide and offers great facility deals in the terms flights. Belfast, Citizenship: ", "People were transfixed, bewitched and delighted by the impish, cheeky skills of Best that invariably brought a smile to all except the defenders who had to face him. These issues affected him on and off the field, often causing controversy. Login; Signup; Best Buy St George - Hours & Locations. However Best said "no one tackled harder or dirtier than this Argentinian team" as a 1–0 defeat at the Estadio Camilo Cichero was followed by a 1–1 draw at Old Trafford. This time our away games made the difference. The overall average patient rating of George S Best is Great. [43] The victory was not only the pinnacle of Best's career, but arguably Manchester United's greatest achievement, considering the Munich air disaster had wiped out most of the Busby Babes just ten years previously. Best stated that "if the championship was decided on home games we would win it every season. Best even wore the number 9 jersey once for United, with Bobby Charlton injured, on 22 March 1969 at Old Trafford, scoring the only goal in a 1–0 win over Sheffield Wednesday. [50] Best’s six goal performance in the game was voted #26 on Channel 4’s list of the 100 Greatest Sporting Moments. 479 records for George Best. He was playing at inside left (wearing the number 10) in 1972 when he famously walked out on United the first time but was back in the number 11 for the autumn of 1973 before leaving for good. [10] He died in 2005, age 59, due to complications from the immunosuppressive drugs he needed to take after a liver transplant in 2002. [63] He failed to turn up for training three days later and was dropped by Docherty, though he claimed Docherty was deceitful with him. He works in San Antonio, TX and specializes in Urology. Best's son Calum and former teammates, surviving members from the West Brom team which he played against in his debut, all joined the current United squad on the pitch for a minute's silence, during which fans in every seat held aloft pictures of Best, which were given out before the match. Days after returning to England, as the First Division's joint top-scorer (level on 28 goals with Southampton's Ron Davies) Best was presented with the FWA Footballer of the Year award, becoming the youngest ever recipient of the award. Heating and Air Conditioning in San Antonio, TX. He had the rare ability to dribble past opponents and could be a real match winner. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up He spent Christmas of 1984 behind bars at Ford Open Prison. [115] In August 2002, he had a successful liver transplant at King's College Hospital in London. [102] He was successfully defended when the case reached court in January 1973 by barrister George Carman QC, a close drinking companion of Best, as acknowledged in his book, Scoring at Half Time. [7] The Irish Football Association described him as the "greatest player to ever pull on the green shirt of Northern Ireland".[8]. [133], In 2015 it was announced that a new film about the life of George Best was being worked on, directed by John-Paul Davidson. [7] A proponent of a United Ireland football team, in 2005 Best stated: "I've always thought that at any given time both the Republic and Northern Ireland have had some great world-class players. [47] In the home tie, Best was kicked and spat on by José Hugo Medina, and both players were sent off after Best reacted with a punch. "[85] Fellow Manchester United legend Eric Cantona gave a eulogy to Best: "I would love him to save me a place in his team, George Best that is, not God. [54], New manager Frank O'Farrell led United to an eighth-place finish in 1971–72. George Best presents Pele with a plaque commemorating the Brazilian as the best soccer player in the world during Pele Appreciation Day at Rose Bowl... Manchester United FC soccer player George Best plays poker on a train, UK, 27th May 1968. [82] Best scored twice, one goal from outside the box, the other from the penalty spot. Using public records from all 50 states, find George Best's phone number, home address, and public records. The best result we found for your search is George J Best age --in Tyngsboro, MA. Being on a rolling contract with Cork his failure to show for a game saw him being dropped and subsequently leaving the club. At the peak of his career in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Best advertised Cookstown sausages on television with the phrase "the Best family sausages". [129] The first egg is on display at the George Best Airport. A highly skillful dribbler, Best is regarded as one of the best players in the history of the sport. George Best in Virginia. [131] The notes sold on the online auction site eBay for up to £30. Public opinion in Northern Ireland about the renaming of the airport was divided, with one poll showing 52% in favour and 48% against. [50] In 2002 the British public voted Best's record breaking performance #26 in the list of the 100 Greatest Sporting Moments. A panel of seven academics, journalists and historians named Best among the group of people in the UK "whose actions during the reign of Elizabeth II have had a significant impact on lives in these islands and given the age its character".