Monday's Sports Letters: Newspaper round made me miss England's '66 triumph

From: William Snowden, Butterbowl Gardens, Farnley, Leeds.

I VIVIDLY recall the dramatic events of the World Cup in 1966: the shocking theft of the Jules Rimet Trophy and the subsequent delight when it was found in a garden by Pickles the dog (Sporting Bygones, Sports Monday, May 24).

As a sports-mad schoolboy, I compiled three World Cup scrapbooks of newspaper and magazine cuttings – which I still prize. One of the most poignant press photographs is of Pele training in the pouring rain under the mesmerised gaze of a solitary little boy, perched on a fence.

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In the competition itself, Pele was outshone by Eusebio of Portugal – with whom my mother became hopelessly infatuated.

The World Cup final was a very tense match. I missed, however, the drama of extra time: I had to go and do my paper round.

"Oh, what a shame," said my mother. "Do you have to go? "Yes," I said, with due solemnity.

I remember how the streets were eerily silent and deserted.

It was when I reached a schoolfriend's home that I was told the good news: "England have just beaten West Germany 4-2," he said, leaning out of the lounge window. "We've won the World Cup!" A memorable moment. A memorable day, a memorable time.

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From: Timothy Kirkhope, MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber, Scotton, North Yorkshire.

I would like to congratulate Leeds United on their promotion to the Championship.

I am immensely proud to represent Yorkshire and the Humber in Europe and it is wonderful that I can sing the praises of the club, its fans and the city of Leeds itself to my European colleagues.

The club has gone through a very difficult time in recent years and I am delighted that they are once again on the up. Hopefully it will only be a matter of time before Leeds are back in the top tier of English football.

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The rewards though are more than just on the football pitch. It has been noted in other parts of the country, and in Europe, that a successful football club boosts the area around it, not only in terms of a wider interest in the city, but also in the morale of those working, living and doing business there.

From: AB Collier, Gordon Road, Bridlington.

SO, at last Leeds United have achieved promotion. At last.

Somewhat fortuitously, I might add. It wasn't just what they achieved but rather what the other teams in contention didn't achieve.

After being so far in front at the turn of the year they should have walked that league. I, and I am sure many others, had their doubts, especially after losing at home to Walsall then the inept performance against Gillingham (who are relegated).

Thankfully, Simon Grayson is aware that he needs to strengthen the team for the Championship and let's hope, in a season or two, the Premiership. The support is there, the training ground (reputed to be just about the best) and the stadium. We just want a team to be worthy of it all.