October 2 – Happy Birthday Sir Trev

“HE had more time there than he realised,” and, “He’ll be disappointed with that effort.”

Just a few of Trevor Brooking’s stock phrases that are ingrained on the brain of anyone who has ever played Pro Evolution Soccer.

Sir Trevor will be taking time out from being Peter Brackley’s lackey to blow out a whole load of candles at the FA’s Soho Square office today as he celebrates his 60th birthday.

Before he was an FA bigwig and doommonger about the English national side, Sir Trev was a commentator for the BBC and was Motty’s regular side-kick for all England matches.

Before he got behind the mic with Motson, Brooking was heir to Bobby Moore’s title of ‘Mr West Ham’. He made his debut for the club as an 18-year-old in 1967, the year after his teammates Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters had helped England win the world cup.

A thinking man’s footballer, Brooking went on to play more than 600 times for the club, scoring more than 100 goals in a one-club career.

He won the FA Cup with the Irons twice, in 1975 and in 1980 when he secured a victory over London rivals Arsenal with a header.

In 47 England appearances Brooking scored five times, including one goal against Hungary that was so cleanly struck it stuck in the stanchion of the goal.

Often cited as the perfect example of an English gent he once said he would like Roger Moore to play him in a movie of his life which seems like perfect casting to us. Trev was knighted in 2004 and even has a road named after him in Newham, just beside Brooking Road is Bobby Moore Walk. Can he do no wrong?

Seemingly not, and even in his two short spells as West Ham caretaker manager in 2003 his results were excellent and in his first spell he nearly saved the club from relegation. In his second stint his record was seven wins and three draws from his 11 games the helm before handing over to Alan Pardew after deciding he decided he did not want the job permanently. Hammers fans lament him as the best manager they never had.

Since leaving West Ham Brooking has worked as a sports administrator with Sport England and the FA and is currently charged with ensuring the coaches and infrastructure is put in place to try and reverse the current situation where only a third of players in the Premiership are English. Good luck with that Trev, you’ll need it.

For those of us too young to remember one of football’s classiest performers, check out the tribute clip below of some of his best goals. Last year we were on about this, and tomorrow, we’ll be talking about something completely different, so don’t miss it.

Until then, to quote the Pro Evo duo: Brackley: “Thanks for joining us Trevor.” Brooking: “Yeah thanks and see you again hopefully.”