The 1966 World Cup secured legendary status for Sir Alf Ramsey and his England squad, but they weren’t the only heroes to emerge over that famous summer.
Pickles the border collie shot to international fame when he found the famous Jules Rimet trophy seven days after it had been stolen from an exhibition in Westminster in March 1966.
This week, 50 years on, Pickles’ owner Dave Corbett was united with a ‘new’ Pickles – thanks to a link-up between The FA and the Guide Dogs’ service.
Photographers snap Pickles, the dog who sniffed out the missing Jules Rimet World Cup Trophy, at the location in south London where he found it
"Pickles died in 1967 and I’ve not called another dog by the same name, so it’s been great to see him remembered in this way,” says Dave, who travelled up to the Guide Dogs’ breeding centre in Leamington Spa earlier this week to meet his border collie’s namesake.
"I still recall that March 1966 morning in South Norwood very clearly. I needed to make a call from the local ‘phone box – that dates the story instantly – and took Pickles along for his morning walk. He suddenly disappeared under a hedge and returned with something heavy wrapped in newspaper – the stolen World Cup trophy.
"It’s particularly gratifying to meet a new Pickles, whose life will be devoted to the wonderful work performed by the Guide Dogs’ service."
Pickles is one of two guide dog puppies specially-named to mark the 50th anniversary of England’s only World Cup win to date.
The other is ‘Bobby’, in honour of the late Bobby Moore, who captained the England side to its ultimate success and Sir Bobby Charlton, scorer of the two goals in the 2-1 semi-final win over Portugal which took England to the Final.
To help kick-start Pickles and Bobby’s lives as guide dogs, The FA has also made the Guide Dogs’ service a recipient of one its ’66 for 66’ awards of £1,966.
It costs just under £55,000 to breed, train and support one guide dog throughout its working life, but the Guide Dogs’ service does not receive government funding to support its life-changing work, meaning that donations are imperative.
A Guide Dogs’ spokesperson said: "It was fantastic to welcome The FA and talk to them about the amazing work they are helping to support. Hopefully their generosity will spur on members of the public to support this great campaign and honour two legends of 1966."
On hand to present the Guide Dogs’ service with a cheque for £1,966 was Owen Bainbridge, current captain of the England Blind squad.
"Some of my team-mates are guide dog users and it’s been great to make the link between football and the dogs who play a vital role in thousands of partially-sighted people’s lives. Through the Guide Dogs’ service will all be keeping a track on how Pickles and Bobby’s lives progress."
To join The FA’s fund-raising effort to train Pickles and Bobby, please click here.
