George Best

[Bristol Boy]

There haven't been many people or footballers I've idolised.

Whilst I never saw George as a role model, I idolised the way he played and always hankered after his ability with the ladies

I've never done bad on that count but I'll be the first to admit, I was never in his League and, when it comes to football, I wasn't on the same planet.........very, very few were.

I was fortunate enough to see Best play when I was a youngster and that will stay with me all of my life.

I've never seen anyone run as fast and turn, in possesion and be able to do the things he could........in fact, I couldn't tell you what he couldn't do, because, frankly there was nothing he couldn't do with a football.

He could dribble like a winger, pass like a dream & shoot with either foot.Heading? No problem, Finish.........are you kidding.......and he could tackle like a full back.........and I don't mean a 1990's full back!!

In todays market, God only knows what he'd be worth-Priceless.

If Henry's worth £50m & Essien £23, I'd think £100m would be a decent starting offer.........and United wouldn't have taken it!

That his alcholism got the better of him, cannot be doubted.That makes me enormously sad, but he's not the first man that that's happened to and he won't be the last.

He was no Saint and some of his behaviour, particularly in his latter years, left a great deal to be desired........and, having read his book, he agreed and was saddened by it.

World class, Different Class? Overused words, these days........this guy was the best footballer I've ever seen...........not my words, PELES!

[Guest harveythompson]

There haven't been many people or footballers I've idolised.

Whilst I never saw George as a role model, I idolised the way he played and always hankered after his ability with the ladies

I've never done bad on that count but I'll be the first to admit, I was never in his League and, when it comes to football, I wasn't on the same planet.........very, very few were.

I was fortunate enough to see Best play when I was a youngster and that will stay with me all of my life.

I've never seen anyone run as fast and turn, in possesion and be able to do the things he could........in fact, I couldn't tell you what he couldn't do, because, frankly there was nothing he couldn't do with a football.

He could dribble like a winger, pass like a dream & shoot with either foot.Heading? No problem, Finish.........are you kidding.......and he could tackle like a full back.........and I don't mean a 1990's full back!!

In todays market, God only knows what he'd be worth-Priceless.

If Henry's worth £50m & Essien £23, I'd think £100m would be a decent starting offer.........and United wouldn't have taken it!

That his alcholism got the better of him, cannot be doubted.That makes me enormously sad, but he's not the first man that that's happened to and he won't be the last.

He was no Saint and some of his behaviour, particularly in his latter years, left a great deal to be desired........and, having read his book, he agreed and was saddened by it.

World class, Different Class? Overused words, these days........this guy was the best footballer I've ever seen...........not my words, PELES!

Amen to that

[SimplyRed]

Yes, a true footballing genius in every sense of the word.

His personal life was marred by many mistakes, but the legacy he has left to the football world are the wonderful tv images of a player far superior to those he played with and against.

A sad end to a unique player.

[England]

Now that man, folks, is a true legend who would have got in any team in the world but sadly never made a world cup

[cider head]

Famous best quotes:

ON THE NIGHT HE WON THE 1968 EUROPEAN FOOTBALLER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Me and a mate picked up two darling birds and they took us back to their flat.

I went into the bedroom with my bird and she started getting undressed.

I was that drunk I was standing there wondering how to get undressed without letting go of the award.

I went to sit on the bed, missed it by four feet and ended up lying on the floor.

I remember the bird looking down at me, starkers, and saying,Some player of the year.

Then I fell asleep. I woke up still clutching my award and staggered out of the flat.

I hadn't a bloody clue where I was.

ON BOOZING:

I did most of my drinking on my own. Often I'd spend hours sitting in a corner.

I'd drink and when I'd had enough I'd just get up and go home to bed.

I never went out in the morning with the intention of getting drunk.

It just happened.

When I finished playing I tried to find something to replace that buzz.

Maybe I thought drinking made me feel good.

''I've stopped drinking, but only when i'm asleep''

[Guest hilltop red]

I've never been a Manchester United fan but I know George Best is up there with the Manchester United true greats of British football - Bobby Charlton, Alex Ferguson and Matt Busby.

I'm 40 years old now and always remember myself as a 4/5/6 year old and hero worshipping George Best. George Best was a true 1960's/70's icon - if you younger lads on this forum ever saw him play football you'd know why !!!!!!! Hopefully the TV stations will show all the Manchester United games that George Best appeared in as a tribute to the great man so the younger generations can watch in awe of a true football superstar.

I did see some of his stuff last night on a tribute thing on bbc2, i think? the ball seemed to just stick to his feet.

[gazareth]

I bet thinks it's a pisstake. He waits years for it to happen and the night before he dies the licensing hours change.

[Dave L]

I would just like to echo Bristol Boy's thoughts. I was lucky enough to see George Best play at the very peak of his career, both live and on television. There is no doubt in my mind that he was the greatest footballer of the last fifty years.

Better than Maradonna, Pele, Charlton, Cantona, Gascoigne, Ronaldo, Henry and some of the other greats that have graced the game in the years I've been watching. There is bound to be plenty of tribute footage on TV over the next few days. I urge anyone who was never fortunate enough to see his genius at first hand to watch and marvel.

[City Rocker]

Famous best quotes:

For me, the quote that perfectly sums up Best (the man, NOT the footballer):

"I spent a fortune on birds and booze...the rest I just squandered".

Edit: Meant to add that, while I never saw Best play, I remember us going to Eastville when I was a kid to see him play for Fulham against Rovers. Fulham had just pulled off a bit a coup by signing Best & Rodney Marsh.

Needless to say, Best didn't show up. He'd gone AWOL in a pub somewhere. Bugger. What a waste of a quid going to that dump of a ground!

[Maesknoll Red]

Fantastic player, I feel lucky to have seen him play, surely there can't be a higher accolade than being called the best player in the world by Pele.

[Guest galley man]

I was lucky enough to see GB several times, most notably 1968 european cup final,v benfica.the man was a true football great, the best player i have ever seen, goodbye george thanks for the memories

[Bristol Boy]

Thanks to everyone for their comments.

It's noce to see we can all agree on something

[Collis]

George Best - He had a very rare talent, with a not so rare problem.

Should be remembered for his slathom like dribbling, the way the ball stuck to his feet, his imagination, and his willingness to win the ball back if lost.

[Rocky]

announcement on sky sports news now

[RedM]

His death has just been announced.

RIP George

[Collis]

[gazareth]

.

[Gazred]

RIP George.

Sure to be many a glass raised in his honor in Belfast tonight.

[BB.]

One of football finest ever natural talents.

It's a strange coincidence that his inevitable death due to alcohol abuse has happened on the same week as the law for 24 hour drinking has been passed.

R.I.P George Best.

[Guest kev g]

RIP George, the greatest player I've ever had the privilage to watch.

[Rocky]

Cheers Besty

RIP

[Guest The Codfather 0312]

Goodbye George and may you enjoy Heaven as much as you enjoyed earth.

Heaven is a better place now for you being there.

[Rocky]

Nice tribute..

http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/fo/barryfry.html

[Guest zider_head]

I would rahter have 59 years of his life than 80 of someone else who is a prude live fast die young rip a true legend up there with ali in my book, i will have a drink for you tonight big fella, back up there with oliver read on the pi** i bet all they need now is alex higgins to round of the drinking trio

[cider head]

[Guest The Codfather 0312]

[Guest Hoops]

Goodbye George and may you enjoy Heaven as much as you enjoyed earth.

Heaven is a better place now for you being there.

You were slagging the man off yesterday!

Make your mind up!

RIP George :Party12:

I'll have a couple for him tonight!

[Guest ashtonyate]

don't be sorry for him he had more life in his 59 years than 10 men would have living till they were 70

[Guest The Codfather 0312]

You were slagging the man off yesterday!

Make your mind up!

RIP George :Party12:

I'll have a couple for him tonight!

I did not say one bad thing about him. Yes I have my feelings on this subject due to personal reasons but the time is not right to be discussing this.

Goodbye george!

:Party12:

[Guest half timer]

RIP

[cider head]

don't be sorry for him he had more life in his 59 years than 10 men would have living till they were 70

10 men would have living till they were 70 , hmm mabe so but they are alive to tell the tell

of how best, one man, gave massive entertainment to those 10 people, best no longer

has that privilege, no matter who's fault it is.

whatever best was off the field you can't take away what he did on it which touched

so many people, we have all had a moan about his boozing and bringing it on himself

debate, but now he is dead it hits home that football has lost a legend

watching sky sports news and old footage of him, he did things with a ball

on a muddy pitch in times where they kicked the crap out of you, that players can only dream of doing.

a lot of talented people have vices to deal with a gold fish bowl life,

it can't be easy, gazza, oliver reed, george best, to name but a few all had

exceptional talent in their jobs but had a tough time dealing with it in their

private lifes, it must be hard having everyone kissing your arse 24-7 and telling

you your world is great when really it ain't, and wanting to be a hanger on for your fame

and money.

[Atticus]

RIP George, unfortunatly i didnt have the pleasure of seeing him as a football player, but all the same, a great gift to the game.

So long.

[City Exile]

The Man Utd officila front page says it all really..

http://www.manutd.com/splashPages/black.sp...geid=16275&bg=1

I never saw him play live. My own personal recollection when I was a little lad in Ballymena in N Ireland is that he was an absolute icon in that part of the world.

I can remember walking up the newspaper shop on my own, and buying one of those little bags of the time that would consist of three pictures of football players of the time, and a strip of chewing gum! The day I got George Best I ran all the way home so excited and slept with it under by pillow for a week. Who needs heroes eh?

As an aside, I also remember swopping three of my cards for Clyde Best who I was assured was GBs brother. My parents then spent the next ten minutes trying to explain to their 7 year old son why that was unlikely! For those of you of a younger age, he was actually a very good player for West Ham at the time, who happned to be black!

[Sir Colby-Tit]

Me & the missus lit a candle for George last night. God bless you George, you'll be missed. RIP

[Guest revkev]

George was the best in every way as a player, so many of us as kids wanted to be like him.

[we8gas]

R.I.P

Tis a sad day.

[Gazred]

Just added a nice montage of him on the football forum, well worth a watch.

http://www.otib.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=48642

[England]

Please don't jump on me, I have already said he was a true legend and certainly the best player I have seen in 50 years watching football but a little bit of me still wishes he had died a few years ago so he would have been remembered just for his footballing ability and being a jack the lad rather than someone who wasted a liver. Just hope some of his organs are in a fit state to help others as he wanted by him carrying a donor card.

Will never forget him as a superb player who never graced a world cup - tragic that there were never enough NI players even approaching his ability.

[freezer]

God Bless.

[lukejones2]

Nothing I can say does him justice but there is this interview with Sir alex which says it all for me:

http://www.manutd.com/news/fullstory.sps?i...icategoryid=156

You know, I really hope that his legacy is as huge as his life and his talent. I hope than somewhere, a young and talented player reads his story and is a better person and player by learning the lessons this man can teach about how life should be led.

It is a shame he was not brought through the youth system & first team by Sir Alex. His story may well have been different.

RIP George. Gutted I'll never meet you.

[Guest crumbs]

R.I.P

My uncle said he was the best he's ever seen, and he saw Pele at the World Cup.

[Guest MaloneFM]

Quite a few have short memories.

Or they just weren't there.

The Freight Rover Trophy final against Bolton? The warm up game before the main event? In a red shirt, the full kit, number 6 I think. He had a bit of a gut on him and was going grey but you could see there was a hell of a talent at Wembley that day. And I think he scored for us.

Ladies and gentlemen we have lost one of our own.

All the best Belfast boy. This ones on Rog.

[midland red]

I may be one of the few who watched him play live and he was a genius, this was a man who encountered a demon/monster he could not beat but the football George played was truly magical, don"t remember him for blowing a second chance of life but for his special talent which was second to none.

Cruyff,maradona and Pele all graced the world stage but George being NI did not have that opportunity,we have lost one of the greatest players of our era and he will be remembered as a legend, today is a sad day for all football fans worldwide.

Sleep well George,sleep well.

yours midland red.

[B-Rizzle]

Goodbye George and may you enjoy Heaven as much as you enjoyed earth.

Heaven is a better place now for you being there.

What makes you think he's going to heaven?

[Guest CGS RED]

If there's a footballing heavan, they have a new automatic selection.

George Best, Hoo-Rah !

[Keepers Ball]

RIP Mr George Best

[kiwicolin]

Hope he is at peace now.Wonder if he had any regrets,

probably not

I remember going to see him at Birmingham,not to

support them or man united,just wanted to George

Best play football

[Guest zfc]

There haven't been many people or footballers I've idolised.

Whilst I never saw George as a role model, I idolised the way he played and always hankered after his ability with the ladies

I've never done bad on that count but I'll be the first to admit, I was never in his League and, when it comes to football, I wasn't on the same planet.........very, very few were.

I was fortunate enough to see Best play when I was a youngster and that will stay with me all of my life.

I've never seen anyone run as fast and turn, in possesion and be able to do the things he could........in fact, I couldn't tell you what he couldn't do, because, frankly there was nothing he couldn't do with a football.

He could dribble like a winger, pass like a dream & shoot with either foot.Heading? No problem, Finish.........are you kidding.......and he could tackle like a full back.........and I don't mean a 1990's full back!!

In todays market, God only knows what he'd be worth-Priceless.

If Henry's worth £50m & Essien £23, I'd think £100m would be a decent starting offer.........and United wouldn't have taken it!

That his alcholism got the better of him, cannot be doubted.That makes me enormously sad, but he's not the first man that that's happened to and he won't be the last.

He was no Saint and some of his behaviour, particularly in his latter years, left a great deal to be desired........and, having read his book, he agreed and was saddened by it.

World class, Different Class? Overused words, these days........this guy was the best footballer I've ever seen...........not my words, PELES!

Couldn`t have put it better myself,I never got to see George play live in the flesh I wasn`t quite old enough but I have seen all the videos and when Rovers hold a minutes silence tomorrow and hopefully a minutes applause I will shed a tear for the greatest player the British Isles has ever produced.

[Matty H]

Great footballer. Absolute total and utter fool as a man.

Given the chance of a new liver after he destroyed his old one. A chance many people, not so fortunate, would give anything for, and yet carries on up the pub where he left off. End result being today, so excuse me if I have zero sympathy for him. He's made a lot of people very angry I'm sure, so let's not dress him up as some sort of god just because he's dead.

Having got that off my chest, I'm not saying his passing isn't sad, it is. He lacked guidance in life and this has killed him

RIP

[Guest Legend City Man]

rip george, great man.

[Guest shire_redz]

"Georgie, Georgie, they called him the Belfast Boy"

Rest well old bean. Your talent was a gift from the footballing gods. For all his faults, he brought joy to many a man with his genius with the ball.

Alcoholism was/is a disease that not many people understand properly. That's another topic though. For now let us lay testament to the best player that ever lived.

LEGEND

[Guest zfc]

Great footballer. Absolute total and utter fool as a man.

Given the chance of a new liver after he destroyed his old one. A chance many people, not so fortunate, would give anything for, and yet carries on up the pub where he left off. End result being today, so excuse me if I have zero sympathy for him. He's made a lot of people very angry I'm sure, so let's not dress him up as some sort of god just because he's dead.

Having got that off my chest, I'm not saying his passing isn't sad, it is. He lacked guidance in life and this has killed him

RIP

To be honest Matt I find your post rather inappropiate. George Best died today.I don't think this thread is about the liver transplant and what went on in his personal life the thread I thought was to honour and pay respect.There is an old saying if you have nothing nice to say about someone then say nothing at all I think looking at your post with all due respect maybe you should have thought of that old saying..............

[Guest The Codfather 0312]

Great footballer. Absolute total and utter fool as a man.

Given the chance of a new liver after he destroyed his old one. A chance many people, not so fortunate, would give anything for, and yet carries on up the pub where he left off. End result being today, so excuse me if I have zero sympathy for him. He's made a lot of people very angry I'm sure, so let's not dress him up as some sort of god just because he's dead.

Having got that off my chest, I'm not saying his passing isn't sad, it is. He lacked guidance in life and this has killed him

RIP

Now is not the time to be saying things like what you have said. A time will come when people will discuss so can't you wait till then and show a ounce of respect to his family. was watching the news earlier when his son came out and told the world that his dad had died. Can you imagine how that felt for the poor lad to do? It brought a tear to my eye.

If you have ever had someone close to you die(which I suspect you hav'nt') Then you wouldn't of come out with comments like that as you will know how it feels to loss a loved one.

George was a great Footballer and long may he be remembered for that.

[Matty H]

To be honest Matt I find your post rather inappropiate. George Best died today.I don't think this thread is about the liver transplant and what went on in his personal life the thread I thought was to honour and pay respect.There is an old saying if you have nothing nice to say about someone then say nothing at all I think looking at your post with all due respect maybe you should have thought of that old saying..............

With due respect, we live in a democracy and I'll say what I like ok?

I'm not going to sit back and read all this bull about what a great man he was

If you have ever had someone close to you die(which I suspect you hav'nt')

Well, you have absolutely no idea mate, you really don't. And I suspect if you did, you wouldn't be so quick to judge

[Guest revkev]

Great footballer. Absolute total and utter fool as a man.

Given the chance of a new liver after he destroyed his old one. A chance many people, not so fortunate, would give anything for, and yet carries on up the pub where he left off. End result being today, so excuse me if I have zero sympathy for him. He's made a lot of people very angry I'm sure, so let's not dress him up as some sort of god just because he's dead.

Having got that off my chest, I'm not saying his passing isn't sad, it is. He lacked guidance in life and this has killed him

RIP

An interesting post, obviously from someone who has little personal experience of the horrors of addiction.

Alcoholism is a dreadful addiction. I know. I'm lucky, and have a great life, but there are still the frequent days when I wake up and have to make a conscious decision not to have a drink.Sometimes it would be easier to say "S#d it" and reach for the bottle. It's tragic that George couldn't hang in there in his particular battle, but now he's at peace.

I hope that he will be remembered as the greatest footballer ever, and not someone who fought - and lost - against alcoholism.

[Bristol Boy]

Please don't jump on me, I have already said he was a true legend and certainly the best player I have seen in 50 years watching football but a little bit of me still wishes he had died a few years ago so he would have been remembered just for his footballing ability and being a jack the lad rather than someone who wasted a liver. Just hope some of his organs are in a fit state to help others as he wanted by him carrying a donor card.

Will never forget him as a superb player who never graced a world cup - tragic that there were never enough NI players even approaching his ability.

Problem was, when they got there, George had packed it in.....aged 27!

Remember Gerry Armstrong scoring against Spain?

[Matty H]

An interesting post, obviously from someone who has little personal experience of the horrors of addiction.

Here's the thing. I had a grandad who was an alcoholic and had to watch how this affected my nan and my mum (their daughter) for years, so I'm more than aware of how it affects people. It took a lot of persuasion and heartache, but eventually he agreed to seek help, and between them all he conquered it, although it took several years and some awful episodes for him to get back his old life

I never said it wasn't sad he died. It of course is. But he was surrounded by people that didn't care for his wellbeing, and he couldn't bring himself to save himself. He was no saint, but ultimately he was immersed in a lifestyle he couldn't get out of and it's cost him his life

[Bristol Boy]

Great footballer. Absolute total and utter fool as a man.

Given the chance of a new liver after he destroyed his old one. A chance many people, not so fortunate, would give anything for, and yet carries on up the pub where he left off. End result being today, so excuse me if I have zero sympathy for him. He's made a lot of people very angry I'm sure, so let's not dress him up as some sort of god just because he's dead.

Having got that off my chest, I'm not saying his passing isn't sad, it is. He lacked guidance in life and this has killed him

RIP

If you look at my initial post, I made it clear that George, particularly in his latter days, was no role model.

In fairness, he never claimed or sought to be one.

One Journalist put in very well when he said the "George was a creature of instinct, not logic."

Let's do what he asked, remember the football, not the failure.

I think that's fair.

Here's the thing. I had a grandad who was an alcoholic and had to watch how this affected my nan and my mum (their daughter) for years, so I'm more than aware of how it affects people. It took a lot of persuasion and heartache, but eventually he agreed to seek help, and between them all he conquered it, although it took several years and some awful episodes for him to get back his old life

I never said it wasn't sad he died. It of course is. But he was surrounded by people that didn't care for his wellbeing, and he couldn't bring himself to save himself. He was no saint, but ultimately he was immersed in a lifestyle he couldn't get out of and it's cost him his life

RevKev wrote that mate, not me

My earlier reply is of a gentler nature and not a rebuke of any kind.

I'm the first to say that Best was my football hero and not the bloke that I'd want my daughters to marry!

I think he was actually an intelligent, articulate,charming, guy.......until he was drunk at which time, like most drunks, he either became funny, violent, pathetic, dangerous or just plain daft.

I used to drink, not to huge excess, but, like your grandad, managed to stop, so I can understand both points of view on this and the one you make about the transplant and the effect on his family, is one that many people have quite correctly made.

Like most of us, he wasn't all good or all bad.

I just prefer to celebrate the good, now that he's gone.

[Matty H]

Yes, sorry BB. I realised when I posted I was not quoting you, so amended it.

As I say, I fully acknowledge his football prowess and what he did for the game. I wasn;t really replying to yourself, or the others that have mentioned his problems. it's all the 'wonderful person' posts that niggle a little.

I see Rally driver Richard Burns has died today. He was 34! ( died of a brian disease. One of the best in his sport yet he wont get half the publicity