Issue: Football Legends UK 1996

Type: First Day Cover

Number of Stamps: 5

Stamps Denomination: 19,25, 35, 41, 60

Issue Date: 14 May 1996

Issued By: Royal Mail, United Kingdom

Football Legends UK 1996 FDC

About Football Legends UK 1996

To celebrate European Championship finals in June 1996, FDC containing five legends of the Football were selected.  A brief detail of this issue is as below:

Dixie Dean

William Ralph “Dixie” Dean (22 January 1907 – 1 March 1980) was an English footballer, primarily known for his prolific goal-scoring ability. He is most famous for his time at Everton Football Club in the 1920s and 1930s.

Dean is considered one of the greatest goal-scorers in the history of English football. He holds the record for the most goals scored in a single top-flight league season in England, netting an incredible 60 goals during the 1927-1928 season. This record still stands to this day and is unlikely to be surpassed.

During his career, Dean played as a center-forward and was known for his physical presence, strong heading ability, and clinical finishing skills. He was a key player for Everton and helped the team win two First Division titles in 1928 and 1932, as well as an FA Cup in 1933.

Dixie Dean’s legacy in the world of football is immense, and he is remembered as one of the all-time greats. He passed away in 1980, but his records and achievements continue to be celebrated by football fans and historians alike.

Bobby Moore

Bobby Moore (12 April 1941 – 24 February 1993) was an English footballer and is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in the history of the sport. He is best known for his captaincy of the England national team during their victorious 1966 FIFA World Cup campaign.

Moore spent the majority of his club career at West Ham United, where he played as a center-back. He was known for his exceptional reading of the game, elegant tackling, calm distribution of the ball, and leadership qualities. Moore’s performances on the field earned him widespread respect and admiration, and he is often referred to as one of the finest defenders of all time.

His most notable achievement came in 1966 when he captained the England team to their first and only World Cup triumph. England defeated West Germany 4-2 in the final at Wembley Stadium, with Moore lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy as captain.

Beyond his World Cup success, Moore earned a total of 108 caps for the England national team, which was a record at the time. He was also a loyal servant to West Ham United, making over 500 appearances for the club and helping them win the FA Cup in 1964 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965.

Tragically, Moore passed away from cancer at the age of 51 in 1993. He is remembered not only for his exceptional footballing talent but also for his sportsmanship and the way he carried himself both on and off the field. His impact on the game and his contributions to English football continue to be honored and remembered by fans, players, and football enthusiasts worldwide.

Football Legends UK 1996 FDC

Duncan Edwards

Duncan Edwards (1 October 1936 – 21 February 1958) was an English footballer who is remembered as one of the most promising talents of his generation. He played as a central midfielder and was known for his exceptional skill, versatility, strength, and maturity on the field, despite his young age.

Edwards came through the youth ranks at Manchester United and quickly established himself as a key player in the first team. He made his debut for the club at the age of 16 and went on to become a vital part of the team during the 1950s. His performances were characterized by his ability to dominate the midfield, his precise passing, and his powerful shooting.

Tragically, Edwards’ promising career was cut short in the Munich air disaster on 6 February 1958. The airplane carrying the Manchester United team crashed during takeoff in Munich, Germany, resulting in the deaths of several players, staff members, and journalists. Edwards survived the initial crash but suffered severe injuries. He passed away 15 days later due to complications from his injuries at the age of 21.

Duncan Edwards is remembered not only for his footballing talent but also for his potential to become one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. His legacy continues to be honored by Manchester United and football fans around the world. He is often regarded as a symbol of the tragedy of the Munich air disaster and the lost potential of a remarkable young talent.

Billy Wright

Billy Wright (6 February 1924 – 3 September 1994) was an English footballer who is primarily known for his long and distinguished career as a captain of the England national team and as a player for Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves).

Wright played as a center-back and is often considered one of the finest defenders in English football history. He was known for his impeccable sportsmanship, strong leadership on the field, and exceptional defensive skills. Wright’s ability to read the game, make crucial tackles, and organize his team’s defense made him a highly respected and admired figure in the football world.

He spent his entire club career at Wolves, making over 500 appearances for the team between 1939 and 1959. During his time at the club, Wolves won three First Division titles (1953-54, 1957-58, 1958-59) and reached the FA Cup final on multiple occasions, although they didn’t manage to secure the trophy.

Wright also had a significant international career, captaining the England national team a record 90 times between 1948 and 1959. He represented England in three World Cup tournaments (1950, 1954, 1958) and played a pivotal role in leading the team during that era.

After retiring as a player, Wright became a respected football pundit and commentator. He was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame and his contributions to the sport are still remembered and celebrated by football fans, especially those associated with Wolverhampton Wanderers and the England national team.

Danny Blanchflower

Danny Blanchflower (10 February 1926 – 9 December 1993) was a Northern Irish footballer who is best known for his time at Tottenham Hotspur and for his influential role as a midfielder and captain of both the club and the Northern Ireland national team.

Blanchflower was known for his elegant style of play, exceptional passing ability, and tactical intelligence. He was a versatile player who could contribute to both attack and defense, and he is often remembered for his leadership qualities on and off the field.

He played a crucial role in Tottenham Hotspur’s success during the 1960s. Under his captaincy, the club achieved significant milestones, including winning the First Division title in 1961 and becoming the first British club to win a major European competition, the European Cup Winners’ Cup, in 1963. Blanchflower’s performances and leadership were instrumental in guiding Tottenham to these triumphs.

In addition to his club success, Blanchflower was a prominent figure in the Northern Ireland national team. He represented his country in the 1958 FIFA World Cup and played a key role in helping Northern Ireland reach the quarter-finals, their best-ever World Cup performance.

Blanchflower was not only admired for his playing abilities but also for his insightful views on the game. He was known for his thoughtful and often philosophical musings on football, which he shared through his writings and interviews.

After retiring as a player, Blanchflower became a journalist and a television pundit. He continued to contribute to the football world with his analyses and commentary. His legacy lives on, and he is considered one of the great footballing figures of his era, remembered for his skill, leadership, and intellectual approach to the game.