Born in London on the 17th October 1934, Haynes played at every national level, as he made his way in football. His debut for England was as a schoolboy, then youth, U23, B and finally Full, making his debut on 2nd October 1954 against Northern Ireland. He eventually became captain of the national side. He made 56 appearances for his country, 22 as captain.
As his reputation grew he was a major subject in the abolition of the minimum wage, earning £100 a week at Fulham in 1961. He played over 630 games in his career scoring 161 goals but he was a supplier rather than a finisher. Pele said he was the best passer of the ball he had ever seen.
In 1962, he experienced a car crash in Blackpool which affected his performance and eventually he lost his form and was not considered for the England squad for the 1966 World Cup campaign. I watched him play in a 4-2 win over Spain and then a 9-3 humiliation of Scotland, both at Wembley, the latter was described by some as his greatest game.
His teams included Fulham, Wimbledon ( as a amateur side), Toronto, Durban and Wealdstone.
Haynes' final game was on the 17th January 1970 for Fulham against Stockport County at Craven Cottage. He was playing in the Third Division and it must have been a doddle.
Haynes died from a brain haemorrhage, on 18th October 2005 and he is remembered by having the main stand at Craven Cottage named after him and of course there is a statue.
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