George Eastham

George Eastham was born in Blackpool on 13th September 1914. He played local football before Charles Foweraker, the manager of Bolton Wanderers, signed him in 1932. He joined a team that included Harry Goslin, Jackie Roberts, Don Howe, and Ray Westwood.

An inside-forward, Eastham made his debut against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road on 1st April 1933. That season Bolton finished in 21st position and were relegated. After spending two seasons in the Second Division, Bolton was promoted in the 1934-35 season. The club also reached the semi-final of the FA Cup where they were beaten 2-0 by West Bromwich Albion.

Eastham's form was so good that he won his first international cap for England against Holland on 18th May 1935. The team that day also include Wally Boyes, Henry Hibbs, George Male, Ray Westwood and Fred Worrall. England won the game 1-0.

Bolton Wanderers once again struggled in the First Division finishing 13th in the 1935-36 season. After scoring 17 goals in 131 games for Bolton, Eastham was transferred to Brentford for a fee of £4,500. He stayed for only a year before moving on to Blackpool. He scored 9 goals in 44 games for his home club before the outbreak of the Second World War.

In 1947 Eastham joined Swansea City. He also played for Rochdale (1948) and Lincoln City (1948-49). He also managed Ards, Accrington Stanley, Distillery and Stoke City.

George Eastham died in January 2000.