Ricky George
Richard Stuart George | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 28, 1946 London Borough of Barnet, England |
| Occupation(s) | Footballer, entrepreneur, writer |
| Years active | 1961–1970s (football), 1976–present (business and writing) |
| Known for | Scoring winning goal for Hereford United in 1971–72 FA Cup upset; partial ownership of Earth Summit, 1998 Grand National winner |
| Notable work | Autobiography: One Goal, One Horse (2001) |
Richard Stuart George (born 28 June 1946) is a former English footballer, entrepreneur, and writer, best known for netting the decisive goal that secured Hereford United's remarkable 1971–72 FA Cup victory over Newcastle United. Additionally, he held partial ownership of Earth Summit, which triumphed in the 1998 Grand National.
Football career
At 15, George began his football journey as an apprentice with Tottenham Hotspur, though he never featured in their first team before transferring to Watford in January 1964. His playing career continued with stints at Bournemouth & Boscombe Athletic and Oxford United prior to moving into the Southern League, where he represented Hastings United, Barnet, and eventually Hereford United.
A devoted Barnet fan throughout his life, George followed his brother Mike to join the club in the late 1960s. Over three fruitful years, he made significant contributions, including scoring an FA Cup hat-trick against Newport County, alongside future teammate Ronnie Radford.
The FA Cup
George moved to Hereford United in January 1971, reuniting with former colleague Billy Meadows. Under the guidance of manager John Charles, he played a crucial role in one of the most memorable FA Cup upsets. Hereford managed a 2–2 draw at St James' Park against First Division Newcastle United, with George entering as a late substitute. In the replay held at Edgar Street, he again came off the bench and was instrumental after Newcastle took a late lead. By regaining possession on the left flank, he set up Radford’s equalizer; during extra time, George converted a pass from Dudley Tyler into the winning goal, igniting widespread celebration and a pitch invasion. This event remains a defining moment in FA Cup lore and is frequently featured in tournament retrospectives.
Starting the Fourth Round match against West Ham United, which ended goalless and proceeded to a replay, George missed a key opportunity but Hereford ultimately lost 3–1. After Hereford's election to the Football League that season, George returned to Barnet before continuing his non-league career with clubs such as Cambridge City, Boreham Wood, and Corinthian-Casuals. He ventured into business by establishing a sportswear company in 1976.
After football
In 1992, George joined five partners to invest in the racehorse Earth Summit, which went on to win the Grand National in 1998 at odds of 7–1. He has since maintained active involvement within the horse racing community.
George contributed weekly columns on non-league football to the Daily Telegraph and co-hosted 'Matchday with Motty' on BBC Radio Five Live alongside esteemed commentator John Motson. He regularly offered match analyses and expert commentary, particularly focusing on Hereford United fixtures. His autobiography, One Goal, One Horse, was published in 2001, chronicling his distinguished careers in both football and horse racing.
In August 2018, George received a two-year prison sentence for offenses related to money laundering.
External links
- 1946 births
- Living people
- Footballers originating from the London Borough of Barnet
- English male footballers
- Men's football wingers
- Tottenham Hotspur F.C. players
- Watford F.C. players
- AFC Bournemouth players
- Oxford United F.C. players
- Hereford United F.C. players
- Players in the English Football League
- British owners and breeders of racehorses
- English male journalists
- English individuals convicted of crimes
- English money laundering offenders
- The Daily Telegraph staff
- British athletes convicted of offenses
- The Daily Telegraph people