George Best at 17

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Details

Location

Cregagh

Year

1964

Date

Length

04min 32sec

Audio

sound

Format

16mm

black and white

Source

Digitised as part of Unlocking Film Heritage

Courtesy

British Film Institute, ITV, UTV

Rights Holder

ITV

It is illegal to download, copy, print or otherwise utilise in any other form this material, without written consent from the copyright holder.

Description

A fresh-faced, football legend-in-the-waiting is interviewed for the first time and is filmed training with the Northern Ireland team ahead of their friendly game against Uruguay in April 1964.

"Tell me about yourself," says Syd Maguire, in a charming television report that introduced the audience at home to George Best. The interview took place less than a year after Best had made his first-team debut at Manchester United, on September 14, 1963, with his Northern Ireland debut following in April 1964, just weeks before this footage. Best reminisces about his first trial at United and how homesickness almost scuppered his footballing dream. 

 

Notes

Best was discovered at age 15 by Belfast-based scout, Bob Bishop. Bishop sent a telegram to then-Manchester United manager Matt Busby, with the prophetic message, "I think I've found you a genius."


Credits

Digitised as part of Unlocking Film Heritage.

These news rushes are courtesy of the UTV Archive.

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