Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

As an ex Stanley Player your Support would be appreciated either by the Yorkshire Evening Post Story and Link or Link to FIFA or both

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/Leeds-backroom-stalwart-medal-campaig n.3807916.jp

Here is a standard letter which has been sent to EVERY UK Football Club Forum


1966 Winners Don't Deserve Medals?


Sir Alf Ramsey Les Cocker and Harold Shepherdson our '66 World Cup Winners don’t deserve Medals, sounds ludicrous doesn’t it; what a statement, can you imagine FIFA and the FA saying that? Well not in so many words but they have! We would appreciate your help in resolving this stupidity by emailing the template letters below to the FA, FIFA and any media outlets that you know so we can let them know we are not happy how they are dealing with this matter.

Just to give you some background to this, In 1966 only the 11 Players on the pitch were awarded Medals, therefore a TOTAL of 11 Medals were awarded, Since 1986 The World Cup Winners have been awarded a Total of 45 (yes FORTY FIVE!) Medals with 23 for the Squad and 22 for the Coaching Staff.

In 1966 England won The World Cup with a Squad of 22 Players and 3 Coaches (Sir Alf Ramsey/Les Cocker and Harold Shepherdson). This 'injustice' has been battled on many fronts including input from Politicians at the highest level, yet both The FA and FIFA have refused to award Medals to them, Retrospective Medals will only be awarded on May 28th at Wembley to the 11 Players who didn’t play in the Final.

A couple of years ago Mike Ingham of Radio 5 Live took the battle on and managed to persuade Richard Caborn MP to take on the case, this resulted in Sepp Blatter announcing at the World Cup Draw in November that justice would be done and FA's would be instructed to award 'Retrospective' Winners Medals to all 'Non Playing Squad Members' and in the case where those concerned had died, Medals would be awarded to their Family, all well and good and rightly so, however this is still not the case, for Sir Alf Ramsey Les Cocker and Harold Shepherdson.

So let’s show our support so that they and their families get the medals they deserved by sending off the template below.

http://www.fifa.com/contact/form.html FIFA.com

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

That's disgraceful. Will definitely be sending them an email in support of your old fella and the others and I hope more Stanley fans will do the same.

Hope you'll be coming across to see "The Club Wouldn't Die" exhibition later in the year!

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Hi wobbly, i did hear but unconfirmed about the medal situ 1966, will mail you direct as i havent before in case it was or wasn't correct.

Please help Wobbly if you can take a few mins, wobbly is a fab fella whom has been helping the exhibition project 'the club that wouldnt die', & hope to do a small section for his dad, Les Cocker, [as i keep telling people about him but in case u dont know], basically Les got his coaching badge paid by Stanley in the 50's, he then went on to assist coaching the 1966 England Squad, whom at that time the only people that got medals were the 11 on the pitch [not like nowadays], he & many others from the staff/team/management from that victorious footy moment are campaigning to also receive medals in recognition for their efforts as well as the 11 who got the originals in 66. Ramsey, Cocker & Shepherdson never got their medals & are fighting for them as deservedly so.

Please if you can help Les & others please follow post 1 for details, Les was a great STANLEY LEGEND & so in memory, he'll also feature as part of our Exhibition.:alright:

You can count on my support Wobbly:thumbsup:

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Will spread the word as best i can round the ground tues night's game as not all have the tinternet, maybe have a word with tannoy to put word out, is there any other methods to help if theres some that dont have a pc, certainly the fans from your dads generation that do remember him fondly:D

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

I would love to support this but I can't get the links to open anything apart from a blank page!!:(

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

i just sent a pm to a mate saying same, hoping he may know.:confused:

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Try mine if not got another link

Leeds backroom stalwart medal campaign - Yorkshire Evening Post

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

That works hehehehehe

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

ta stanleymad, wyn just sent it by pm before you, so done n dusted.:);)

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

I dont know if the link in that article was correct or not as it was entitled YOUR VIEWS - Council services. But I sent it anyway.

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Thanks for all your support

Campaign is being handle by the Yorkshire Evening Post

Letters and Petitions to be sent to

The Les Cocker Campaign
c/o Shirley Whitehead
Newsdesk
Yorkshire Evening Post
Wellington Street
Leeds
LS1 1RF

Sorry about the faulty Links

Will try again, if the Mods COULD Edit my original post and include these Correct Links it would be appreciated

Yorkshire Evening Post Leeds backroom stalwart medal campaign - Yorkshire Evening Post

FIFA
FIFA.com

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

no probs wobbly,yer dad was one of my favs as a lad, so i managed to get a correct link.;)

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

OK cheers, wonder if anyone else watched the Carling Cup Final at Wembley today?

Its 40 years ago since Leeds United won it at Wembley (then The League Cup) in 1968 to become their first Major Trophy beating Arsenal 1-0 with a Terry Cooper goal

I am hoping to be able to lend Dad's 'Medal' (they were Tankards back then) to the forthcoming Stanley Exhibitition, Mel may explain why I state 'hoping' to

Heres a photo of Dad's 'Medal' from that day, in fact drank a beer from it today to celebrate the 40th final since Leeds won it, actual anniversary is on 2nd March

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...FLCUPMEDAL.jpg

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Latest Story for todays Yorkshire Post, nice to see some Stanley Fans and ex Player support within the 'Comments' link on Story, many thanks!

Support swells for Cocker's '66 efforts - Yorkshire Evening Post

Main Link for the Yorkshire Post Newspaper 'Les Cocker Campaign'

Leeds backroom stalwart medal campaign - Yorkshire Evening Post

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

just posted a comment wobbly.;)

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

there's a good few Stanley mentions on there! good on you all.

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Bumping thread up for Wobbly & if word could be spread round ground too that would be great, i have mailing address with me for those with no tinternet.

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Stanleymad media savvy hehehee:o:D

Yorkshire Evening Post editor has just spoken with me & are doing a little piece on our support as im collecting signatures & if any of OSC or fans want to help i'll be in the clubhouse before the match during & after, that would be great:thumbsup:

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Sky Sports News are waiting for you next Mel:jimbo:

Best of luck at tonights game v Brentford, hope Stanley get a much deserved win, will pop over to a game soon when maybe we can all have a drink (or two!)

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

As so far i gather a bit over 2 pages of signatures were collected from tonights match for support of the campaign, Rob Heys has given his support on behalf of the club & will put something on the fishy site.

Many thanks everyone whom pledged support so far:D

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Yorkshire Evening Post on-line article regarding the support of Accrington Stanley which will also be published in tonights YEP Newspaper Edition

A Lancashire hotspot in fight for Les - Yorkshire Evening Post

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

I'm sure I remember Les sprinting onto the Peel Park pitch with his magic sponge when a player needed attention. He was known as the fastest trainer in the football league at that time.

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

I can't remember Les Cocker sprinting onto the pitch with his magic sponge, but I can remember him playing for Stanley

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

same as Jeff remember Les playing, but not as the "magic sponge" man, though that could well be senility setting in.:D

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Probably my senility then, but I definitely remember him doing it at one or other of our local clubs.

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

I think Harry Hubbick was the trainer and magic sponge man. According to this Les went to Luton as trainer
http://www.neilbrown.newcastlefans.c...accrington.htm

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

You memory isn't playing you up, Redraine. He was assistant trainer during his last two years at Stanley, from 57-59.

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Even if he was assistant trainer, I still think he would be playing rather than running on with the magic sponge.

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Apparently not. Just checked on Greger Lindberg's site and he actually retired as a player in May '57, re-registering for just one game in Sept of that year due to an injury crisis.

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Les was appointed Stanley's assistant trainer in May 1957, then re-signed as a player in September 1957. He became Luton's assistant trainer in August 1959. (Accrington Stanley: A Complete Record 1894-1962. Mike Jackman & Garth Dykes)

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Thanks, Wynonie. Thought I was losing my marbles for a moment. Is the jury still out? What's the verdict?

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

He was Assistant Trainer to Harry Hubbick in his last year at Stanley, I have an original press team Photo somewhere showing this, will have to have a root around and try and find it

We then moved to Luton Town in 1959 or 1960 (horrible place, hated it, I was around 9 at the time) before moving to Leeds United in 1960 or 1961

Harry Hubbick moved to Halifax Town FC after Stanley's closure (1962?) and we used to see Harry quite a lot as Halifax Town FC opened a Golf Driving Range whilst he was still there, reckon this would have been one of the UK's first Golf Driving Ranges and golf balls used to be rattling all around the grandstands!

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Harry Hubbick was born in 1915. he would hardly have been known as the fastest trainer in the FL in the late 50's!
I rest my case.:)

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Who said that Harry Hubbick was known as the fastest trainer in the FL in the late 50's. All I said was that Harry Hubbick was the trainer and magic sponge man. Never mind resting your case.:)

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Just consulted my well-thumbed copy of Jackman & Dykes. After he was appointed as Stanley's assistant trainer in May, 1957, Les made just one appearance as a player (an away match at Chester in September of that year), right up to his departure for Luton in August 1959. So, in his last two years at Stanley he was, in fact, a full-time trainer.

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Sounds about right as he took his Final Part 3 of The FA Pro Coaching Licence in summer of 1957 at Lilleshall, we did move to Luton in 1959 and then to Leeds in summer of 1960, so its almost 50 years since I last watched Stanley play as an 8 year old, need to rectify that soon!

Where do all the years go!

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Well it must have been one of 'em, and it can't have been Harry at his age!
Q.E.D.

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

anybody else who wishes to sign the petition will be able to do so at the next home match. OSC will be collecting names from the Oaklea, Crown and clubhouse and then th ebottom of the Crown steps after the game. Please lookout for anyone with a clipboard.

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Many thanks for all your support, it really is appreciated!

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

we daren't not, our mel is flippin scarey you know :D you do as your told.

only joking, it is a worthy subject for a petition

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

The club have given their full support details now on fishy site:D

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Interview on Yorkshire Radio, Part 1 and Part 2 (for some reason Part 1 is at bottom)

My Lancs accent has all but gone now:hidewall:

lufcsteve's Share Page

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Looks like a positive outcome on this one :)

United's Les Cocker set to receive 1966 medal - Yorkshire Evening Post

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Splendid News, not before time, at least les remaining relatives have a bit more to be proud of.:)

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Posted via Mobile Device. Really oh yesss, i never got a reply from the FA to the letter i sent last yr on behalf of asfc & the supporters club with all of the sigs of several pages of our petition seperate to yorks post one. I did wonder if any conclusion would come of it, im so pleased to of been able to help. David, need ya to pm email me re yr dads stuff - safe & well.

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Just come on the Forum to thank EVERYONE at Accrington Stanley for their support on the campaign

We received telephone confirmation from The FA on Friday evening and a letter is on its way to my son's address with details (I am in Spain) which will confiirm info we received in the phone call

Gave a phone interview to the Yorkshire Post on Friday night in which I made it clear we wished to thank Stanley for their support

Will post full details on here as soon as I can

Once again a BIG/BIG thank you to all in Accrington!

Regards
Dave

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Half time at the england v andorra match then I saw ya on the telly wobbly :D:D i gave u all a rapturous round of applause with tear in my eye, well done & well deserved to all the former england 66 team on & off the field, a victory indeed, really proud as punch!:D:D Big thanks to all of accrington whom helped pledged their support for these guys to get their medals, proof that people power does work & our Les, as well as others honoured finally. Greavesy looks well.

Look forward to your update of the day :D

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Mel well done to you for spearheading this campaign.:)

Next thing is to get David + family to visit Accy, on their terms ( guest of honour or in via the back door)

Not that many World Cup Winners medals in Accy??

The next project??:)

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

the other Stanley link is that Jimmy Armfield got his medal as well. His son John, played over 100 games for us in the early 90's. Retired after conceding 5 at Morecambe and was carried off the pitch (by the fans - in a good way)

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Long couple of days as flew from holiday in Spain for the events and now back in Spain with the Medal!

Would be delighted to bring the Medal over to Accrington, least we could do as without Stanleys help back in 1956 Dad would never had got his coaching licence so therefore wouldnt have been an England Coach since 1962!

Once again, many thanks for all your support and help

Regards
Dave Cocker

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Great stuff would very much love to unite your lovely medal with the licence :D

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

To Mel & all David's supporters;

I have put out an invite and had a reply.

YES David & "the medal" will visit Accy, hopefully in the Autumn.

Should we invite Jimmy Armfield and his son as well??


Well done to all those who worked tirelessly to support the cause

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Well done Mel

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Nice day, FA excelled themselves and paid for one nights B&B in London for everyone, Terry Paine and George Eastham flew in from South Africa and I flew into London from Spanish holiday for 2 nights

Mind you they also made the England Team Bus available for the day too (just Lucozade in the bar, unlike the old days)

Tube strike in London, traffic chaos but Gordon Brown arranged for a police escort to get us to Wembley virtually on time from 10 Downing Street, been drinking LIDL Red Wine down here in Spain and the red wine was a little better at No10!

Here's a few pics from the day, my lad managed to sneak his camera into No 10!

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...roove/No10.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IMG_1020.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IMG_1025.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IMG_1049.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IMG_0993.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IMG_1117.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IMG_1082.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IMG_1080.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IMG_1078.jpg

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Brilliant, Dave! Many thanks for letting us see the pics - and it's very pleasing to think that we Stanley fans played some small part in seeing justice done.

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

No problem, Lee took around 150 photo's of the day in total, if you want any more just ask, dont want to bore everyone with a photo album:enough:

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Love the photos not a bore at all, love to see more & wow a lovely medal tho:D

How was Gordons place? tho the art work looks like my sons renditions lol, let me know when arrangements are made for a 'homecoming' :D

Certainly the united fronts of Accrington, luton & Leeds & fantastic publicity from the Yorks post, i made sure the whole accy petition went directly to the FA HQ on request, the combination & media interest, all played its part which wouldnt of happened without the persuit & dedication to be heard from all the families concerned.

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

Great Photos ta fer posting em.:);)

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IMG_1035.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IMG_0990.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IMG_1007.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IMG_1052.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p...e/IMG_1026.jpg

Re: Les Cocker 1966 World Cup Medal Campaign
 

One of my colleagues was telling me he played for Leeds University in the first half of the sixties and was coached/trained by Les and by Sid Owen and managed by Bob English ie basically Don Revie's entire backroom staff.

Big Jack Charlton also did some of his early coaching work with them.

Thanks for the photographs would love to see more.