"Terrible news. Hopefully Palace can recognise this moment on Boxing day given how big a club legend he was for us".
George Cohen: 1939-2022
Everyone associated with Fulham Football Club is desperately saddened to learn of the passing of one of our greatest ever players – and gentlemen – George Cohen MBE.
A one club man, George made 459 appearances for his beloved Whites, in addition to earning 37 England caps, with whom he famously won the World Cup in 1966.
Born in Fulham, soon after the outbreak of World War II, just over a mile from Craven Cottage on Cassidy Road, George actually lived closer to Stamford Bridge, but it was the black and white half of the borough he opted for.
"It was easier to bunk into Fulham than it was to get into Chelsea," he joked in a 2016 interview. "There was this big tree at Craven Cottage, and my friends and I used to climb up it and drop over the wall into the ground.
"The Club knew we used to sneak in that way, but it didn't mind; I suppose it was a way of recruiting young supporters!"
As a child, George attended St John's primary school, before moving onto Fulham Central secondary, which is now called Fulham College and is used by the Club on matchdays.
George stayed there until joining Fulham FC in 1956. Initially working as a member of the grounds staff, he soon swapped sweeping the terraces and cleaning boots for the big stage, making his debut against Liverpool as a 17-year-old in March 1957.
(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/800x800/4d199e70-81e2-11ed-8bc9-31b6790c6c29.jpg)
The following season, George established himself as the Club's first choice right-back, revolutionising the role. Blessed with terrific pace, he became one of the game's first attacking full-backs, setting the tone for how football is so often played today.
It was a successful campaign for the Whites, with a fifth placed finish complemented by a fine FA Cup run which was ended at the Semi-Final stage by Manchester United.
A year later, George started all but one of our 42 matches as Fulham won promotion to the top-flight, where he helped us stay for nine consecutive seasons, as well as getting another FA Cup Semi-Final under his belt in 1962.
His consistent performances were not going unnoticed, and in May 1964, Alf Ramsey handed him an England debut in a 2-1 win over Uruguay at Wembley. It was a shirt he refused to relinquish, taking the spot of national team captain Jimmy Armfield.
Of the next 27 matches England played before the World Cup, George started 23 of them and was Ramsey's undisputed first choice going into the tournament.
As Ramsey did not play with conventional wingers, a lot of responsibility fell on the shoulders of the full-backs, an obligation that George relished.
England kept clean sheets in their first four matches of the World Cup, culminating in a 1-0 Quarter-Final win over Argentina which led to a famous photo of Ramsey stopping George from swapping shirts at full-time, with the England manager angry at what he deemed to be dirty tactics from the opposition.
(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/800x800/2238b190-81e8-11ed-a451-fb085c0fc31e.jpg)
George started the move that led to the goal which proved the winner in the 2-1 Semi-Final victory over Portugal, before playing all 120 minutes of England's greatest game, as they saw off the challenge of West Germany to triumph 4-2 after extra-time in the World Cup Final.
He featured seven more times for his country after that tournament, and was duly awarded an MBE in 2000 for his services to football, alongside four of his teammates from '66; Roger Hunt, Alan Ball, Ray Wilson and Nobby Stiles.
George's playing days were cut tragically short at the age of just 29, after suffering a nasty knee injury. Cruelly coming at a time when he was playing what he considered to be the best football of his life, he never fully recovered and was forced to call time on his career.
One of the biggest endorsements of his talent came when the legendary winger George Best described him as "the best full-back I ever played against."
After spending some time coaching the Fulham youth team, as well as England's Under-23 side, George opted for a career change, becoming a success in the property and building markets.
(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/800x800/3cb8a300-8219-11ed-886e-015d047ce8c3.jpg)
A return to football beckoned, though, and it was only right that it was with Fulham. Brought back to Craven Cottage as a host in our hospitality lounges, George regaled guests on matchdays with stories of his career, quickly establishing himself as an absolute natural through his quick wit and gentlemanly persona.
It wasn't long before he was honoured with his own suite, and any fans who were lucky enough to enjoy hospitality in the George Cohen Lounge will no doubt have wonderful memories of the occasion.
In 2016, the Club announced that a statue of George had been commissioned, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of one of our favourite sons lifting the Jules Rimet trophy.
There launched #Cohen66, a fundraising campaign that looked to raise money for two causes close to George's heart – dementia and men's health, two issues on which he worked closely with the Fulham FC Foundation. The excellent Fulham Memories initiative was born from the former.
The statue was unveiled in October of that year, with George typically humble about the whole thing.
(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/800x800/d7e92540-820d-11ed-85c7-293710dab8f9.jpg)
"I mean, to think that they had made a statue; I find it absolutely wonderful that they even thought I was worthy of it," he said. "Especially as it was alongside Johnny Haynes, the greatest name in Fulham's history.
"To be alongside him, it was rather unbelievable. It was great to think that not only the Club, but the supporters had wanted to put a statue of me there."
That was not the only honour bestowed upon George in 2016, as he was also granted the freedom of Hammersmith & Fulham, the highest civic distinction that a borough can give.
This was not just a recognition of his footballing achievements, but also of his tireless campaigning for research into cancer and dementia.
Following the introduction of the Forever Fulham award – presented to those players who have truly imprinted themselves upon the fabric of our Club – George was naturally one of the first recipients.
Only Johnny Haynes, Eddie Lowe and Les Barrett played more games for us than George. He is, quite simply, Fulham royalty.
All of our thoughts are with Daphne, his beloved wife of more than 60 years, sons Anthony and Andrew, his grandchildren and extended family, as well as George's many, many friends.
(https://images.webapi.fulhamfc.com/fit-in/800x800/166eda30-820e-11ed-85c7-293710dab8f9.jpg)
Details of how fans can pay tribute to George, as well as the Club's plans to honour him, will be detailed on fulhamfc.com in due course.
https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2022/december/23/george-cohen-1939-2022/
Very sad news. RIP George.
Sad to hear the news that George Cohen has passed away
True gentleman, great player, Fulham legend
Thoughts are with his family at this sad time
What a lovely man on top of being a great player , so sad . Sleep peacefully george
Such sad news, what a great man and right up there among our all time favourites. I never heard a bad word against him.
He was a significant part of Fulham FC and I am hoping the club will recognise this in a big way at the Southampton match
RIP. Sincere condolences to his family. A good man.
You have to be a great person to have a statue when you are still alive. Incidentally his Wikipedia page currently says that he dies tomorrow.
RIP George, a true Fulham legend 🙏
Very sad to hear. George was a true one club man and an absolute gentleman. Condolences to all his family and friends. Our one and only World Cup winner. George RIP
oh no, what terrible news. RIP George
When I was at the club he was always a perfect gentleman, I cannot think of anyone who didn't have a good word to say about him. RIP you gave Fulham your life and a World Cup.
Heaven has a new right back! RIP George
Terrible news so close to Christmas, thoughts with Daphne and the rest of the family.
Fulham and England Legend, no other way to put it.
Rest in Peace George.
RIP the late great George Cohen. Forever Fulham.
One of my all time heroes and a fantastic servant of FFC. A man I had the absolute pleasure to meet. RIP George and my deepest condolences to George's family.
God bless George Rest in Peace. Thank you for your loyal and wonderful service to our club.
Deepest condolences to your wife, family and friends.
RIP George, a true legend of the game.
A Fulham stalwart and a true gentleman.
Another 66er gone, as well.
My sincere condolences to all of George's family and friends. This is such sad news. I had the privilege of meeting George and his wife on a few occasions. What a gentleman . What a legend. As a boy watching Fulham he was my idol. He was the reason I played football. I wanted to be like him. So I played Right Back... Thank you George. Fulham through and through. May he RIP
Very sad news. Quite simply the best right back ever. A True gentleman with a quality lacking today: Loyalty.
RIP George.
That's an awful shock.
Rest In Peace George, a true genuine Fulham Legend.
George was not only a great quality player and complete Gentleman who came through the Fulham ranks, he was also an England World Cup Winner.
He stayed loyal through thick and thin.
He certainly was one of our own and never to be forgotten.
An absolute legend who I had the privilege of watching through out his career.
When 1966 has been discussed I have never thought that George has received the credit he deserved because he played for a less fashionable club and replaced the great Jimmy Armfield..
God bless you.
Very saddened at the news. Honoured to have seen all his Fulham career. Genuine Fulham Royalty. George Best said he was the only full full back he struggled to get past.
RIP George.
A true legend. One of the greats. We were honoured to have him play for us. R.I.P. George.
A central figure in the development of the modern game in England. Alongside Ray Wilson on the left, the overlapping full back 433 era started with him.
Rest in Peace George. You are unforgettable.
My Husband was honoured to have shaken his hand. Our condolences to all George's Family and friends. Our Legend will be sadly missed. Thankyou George for everything you did for our great club England
Thanks for the memory's.R.I.P George.
An absolute Fulham legend.
Enjoyed many a school holiday back in the sixties watching him, Johnny and all the others train at the old Harrods sports ground in Lonsdale Road, Barnes.
R.I.P George.
Such sad news, RIP George
Condolences to all his family and friends.
Very sad news.
I met him briefly a few times at the club and he was everything a hero should be.
Lovely man and Fulham hero.
RIP George.
very sad news, one of the unsung true greats and such a lovely man
RIP 9739.gif
RIP GEORGE COHEN, PROPER HERO.
Remember that back 4 that I watched every week, so well- Cohen, Dodgin, Lowe, Langley - learning how to play the game, as a young defender myself, from my Fulham heroes.
George was such stylish, cultured player, but also a no nonsense defender who invariably dispossessed an attacking winger with ease - no matter how fast, skillful or famous, they were, and one of the new breed of attacking fullback, recognized as such by Alf Ramsey.
But George never lost touch with his roots, or gained airs and graces, and would stand for ages signing us kids' photos, no matter how long the queue.
RIP George, you'll always have a place in the hearts of Fulham fans.
On field a great servant and player for FFC.
Very very sad, such a lovely man RIP.
One of our all time greats and a true Fulham man. His character summed up what this club is about. RIP George.
Terribly sad news. I was lucky enough to see him play many times and had the privilege of meeting him. I also have a signed shirt of his. Fulham through and through and a World Cup winner. A true legend.
Such sad news, my condolences to the family. A true legend in the history of our club and we will never see the likes of him as a player again
For the older ones amongst us I will share this with you again
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vyIbR5WNfg
A TRUE Fulham Legend. RIP and condolences to the family. It is a sad day.
Proud he was one of our own. RIP George
They don't come any better. RIP George.
Such sad news, the word legend is far over used to describe footballers nowadays but George certainly was a club legend.
May he rest in peace and my thoughts go out to his family and friends 🖤🤍🖤
RIP George Cohen, a great footballer and a true gent. Met him at a Fulham lunch. He was the reason I started supporting Fulham in 1966. Thank you George and my thoughts go out to his family and friends.
Oh no sad news
RIP George. You gave so much joy to us Fulham families. You will never be forgotten.
Such sad news RIP George Cohen. Glad to of met him at the Cottage.
Always something hits you hard at this time of year,and this is it.
Terrible news,my dear wife shedding a tear when she heard....RIP Fulham Legend.
Never Forgotten.💐
That's awful news, RIP George
RIP George. What a player, the finest full back and the fastest on the pitch. Thank you for being part of my childhood. Great memories.
RIP George. A true legend who Fulham will never forget.
Astonishing that he only ever won one trophy in his football career and that trophy just happened to be the World Cup. Can't be many others who've done that.......
I am so upset at this news. I was there for the first team debut of George, Alan Mullery and Tony Macedo. They totally changed the view of Fulham and all three graduated from Fulham's South East Counties team. RIP George
What sad news. As a kid I saw George play in his last season. All my uncles raved about JH but there was I watching a World Cup winner playing for Fulham.
For a Club our size we've had some wonderfully gifted players over the years. Not just their skills on the field but their charm and humility off the field. George was probably the best example of that.
My condolences to his family and friends.
A very sad day. Macedo, Cohen, Langley, the first three names on my team sheets week in week out. I used to love watching George charging down the wing. Thanks for the memories 👍
Such sad news, I was lucky enough to see George play many times in the sixties. I remember before the first game of 1967 George, Alan Ball and ray Wilson were pictured at the cottage before the game.
George Cohen my autobiography is a great read and covers the tough times that George went through after football.
I also remember the day that he sustained his injury against Liverpool and the hush that came over the crowd as they realised the serious nature of the injury.
R.I.P. George and thanks for the memories
So incredibly sad. Condolences to his family .RIP George
God bless an RIP George an absolute Fulham legend
Simply the best. RIP George Cohen
I feel privileged to have watched George play alongside some of the other Fulham legends those many years ago. Rest in peace, George!
I went to the club shop when it was in the Fulham Road and George was doing a signing session for his book. The weather was dreadful and there was next to no-one coming to the shop. He insisted on sharing the pot of tea that he had with me and we chatted for about 15 mins until another customer showed up. A real gent!
Quote from: SG on December 23, 2022, 03:31:53 PM
A very sad day. Macedo, Cohen, Langley, the first three names on my team sheets week in week out. I used to love watching George charging down the wing. Thanks for the memories 👍
Me too - then it was Mullery Stapleton & Lowe (??). George was a very sturdy, very quick right back. His elbows were way out as he ran but that made it even more difficult to get around him. He was also a very clean player and tenacious tackler. I only ever saw him having problems with one opponent - Malcolm Musgrave of West Ham....- a fantastic defender. RIP George
The saddest news. I loved to watch him in the sixties as a teenager.
A one man club his whole career just like other Fulham legends I can think of.
A one off!
RIP George.
I had the news on, his picture popped up on the screen. I reacted...oh no. Very, very sad. I am so upset.
Gutted, I met George quite a few times in the 60´s and still have a lovely photo of him, Tommy Trinder and my Grandad (former FFC Director) together after the World Cup. R.I.P.
A lovely person, great servant to FFC and maybe the finest full back that has ever played for us!!
We have not got many great players we can boast of but George was one of the two. A wonderful player and our World Cup Winner.
Rip George a true Fulham legend
Like I've seen a few fans say I would like us to name the new stand after him.
Quote from: davew on December 23, 2022, 06:45:53 PM
Gutted, I met George quite a few times in the 60´s and still have a lovely photo of him, Tommy Trinder and my Grandad (former FFC Director) together after the World Cup. R.I.P.
A lovely person, great servant to FFC and maybe the finest full back that has ever played for us!!
Is your grandad Tony Dean?
Great player , great bloke.
Not sure how many of the early to mid 60's Fulham team we have still with us.
It is probably just getting old, but despite the undoubted excellence of the many overseas-born players who have delighted us at the Cottage, part of me hankers for the day when teams were largely local, with chaps like George born and living near the Club.
He was a great full back and like several of his generation, a one-club man.
He will indeed be sadly missed, and commiserations to his family.
RIP George, a legend for club and country and a true gentleman. I count myself very priviledged to have met him. My sincerest condolences to his family. I was very glad to be able to sign the book of condolence set up by the club and now echo the calls of many Fulham fans for the new Riverside stand to be renamed after him.
Some lovely photos in the Guardian:
https://www.theguardian.com/football/gallery/2022/dec/23/george-cohen-a-life-in-pictures
A couple showing his trademark flaling arms. Not sure about the lawn mowing!
Like Oakeshott (see above), it may be an age thing, but I found it easier in the past to feel an association with players of yesteryear, when they were not overpaid as the current generation is, and more of them had a proper local connection with Fulham. George was part of the Fulham family, and will be greatly missed, but will rightly be remembered as one of the club's greatest players.
The Riverside Stand or The George Cohen Stand? No brainer.
Lovely reading all the comments on here
I was privileged to have a round of golf with George, just a lovely guy and shared loads of stories as we hacked our way round the course, a wonderful memory
Many years ago I was fortunate to spend quite a lot of time in a NHS physiotherapist class with Ray Wilson (then a funeral director in Huddersfield) - hardly imaginable in this day and age. Anyway , we obviously chatted about the World Cup and the players. He was full of praise for George who he would constantly repeat was a charming man and a great bloke to be around. I had no connection with Fulham then but it always stuck in my mind how he mentioned George more than any of the others. Clearly a brilliant man both on , and off the pitch .RIP.
Not sure naming the new stand after George is the Smartest move.
RIP George. Legend
RIP George.
