 |
|||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
 |
Hall of Fame 2007 list of footballing greats announced
The National Football Museum has revealed the names of the legends who are to be inducted into this year's Hall of Fame. The list comprises:
Male Players:
Peter Beardsley
Dennis Bergkamp (BBC Football Focus Choice)
Glenn Hoddle
Mark Hughes
Billy Meredith
Graeme Souness
Nobby Stiles
Manager:
Terry Venables
Female Players:
Karen Walker
Joan Whalley
This years entrants are as ever of an exceptionally high standard. Each year the names are chosen by an expert panel including Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson, Jimmy Greaves, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Mark Lawrenson and Gordon Taylor.
Sir Alex Ferguson has commented that Mark Hughes is ‘The best big-game player I have ever known'. Sir Bobby Charlton said ‘Nobby Stiles richly deserves to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Nobby and I have the honour of being the only Englishmen so far to have won both the World Cup and the European Cup. Nobby was given the job of marking Eusebio in the World Cup semi-final in 1966. He handled it brilliantly and it was a big factor in us winning the game and going on to the final.”
Billy Meredith was the first Chairman of the Player's Union. Gordon Taylor, Chief Executive of the Professional Footballers Association said: ‘I am particularly pleased to see recognition being given to Billy Meredith, during the PFA Centenary Year'.
Sir Tom Finney says: "I am delighted that the Hall of Fame has selected Joan Whalley, a great player for Preston Ladies and my friend since our days at school."
In an interview on BBC Radio 5-Live yesterday on 24 September, Glenn Hoddle said: "It is a great honour being chosen by a selection panel of such experts in the game. I am delighted now to be in the same list as Tottenham legends Jimmy Greaves and Danny Blanchflower." In the same interview Graeme Souness said: "This is I think the best award I have ever received. I am really looking forward to the 15 November. It should be a great night."
The ten awards will be presented at the annual ceremony, this year being held at Manchester United Old Trafford Stadium on 15 November. There will also be an award given to Sheffield FC in their 150 th anniversary year. Still to be announced is an award for a player with disabilities, nominated by the Football Association and a Community Champion award nominated by the Football Foundation.
The Hall of Fame is now in its sixth year. Players and managers inducted in previous years include legends such as George Best, Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Stanley Matthews and Bill Shankly.
The National Football Museum Hall of Fame is generously supported by:
Professional Footballers Association and the
North West Regional Development Agency
Note:
Inductees into the Hall of Fame must have ended their career or be at least 30 years of age and have played / managed in England for 5 years or more.