Where are they now?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A friendship with the comedian, Frank Skinner, has earned Jeff Astle new celebrity through his appearances on the BBC2 show Fantasy Football League, much to the amusement of the former West Bromwich Albion and England striker's clients in his day job; a window-cleaner anywhere within a 20-mile radius of his home near Burton on Trent.
Astle scored 174 goals in 361 games for Albion, including the extra-time winner against Everton in the 1968 FA Cup Final, which meant he had scored in every round. Within four years of his notorious miss for England against Brazil in the 1970 World Cup finals in Mexico, however, he was shining panes for a living.
"I'd left West Brom to play non-League, and there was a lad in the Weymouth team who asked me to help on his round," Astle said. "I really enjoyed it and I still love it now. Cartilage problems ended his professional career prematurely at 31.
"I'd be a millionaire if I played today, but I can't grumble. There was no money in football then and a lot ended up with nothing at all.'' Astle, now 52, began his career with Notts County, but he remains faithful to West Brom, watching every match, home and away, with his wife, Laraine, and 16-year-old Claire, the youngest of three daughters.
"The club are struggling these days and I fear we'll go down without a cash injection for new players, but the supporters are still fantastic.''
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments