England's World Cup-winning squad members and other ex-players have paid tribute to former team-mate Ray Wilson at his funeral at Huddersfield Crematorium. Wilson, who was left-back in Sir Alf Ramsey's team when they were crowned world champions at Wembley in 1966 and won 63 caps in total for his country, died last month aged 83. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2004. He made 283 appearances for Huddersfield Town between 1952 and 1964, before a five-year spell with Everton, where he won the 1966 FA Cup after they defeated Sheffield Wednesday 3-2 at Wembley. "He was a lovely guy, a smashing guy," said former England team-mate and goalkeeper Gordon Banks. "He loved a joke and a laugh and that helped in the dressing room for an international match when you were feeling tight. "He'd crack a joke or make fun out of something and that would help you to relax, which was so good. "There are not too many people about like Ray. He really was a lovely guy and a super footballer as well." Sir Bobby Charlton, his brother Jack, hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst and Norman Hunter, all members of the England squad which beat West Germany 4-2 at Wembley, were among the mourners who paid their respects to Wilson. "Ray probably wasn't as recognised as the other lads, Geoff, Bobby, Bally [Alan Ball] and people like that," said ex-Leeds defender Hunter. Image: Geoff Hurst was among the 1966 World Cup winners to attend Ray Wilson's funeral "But as a team-mate, you looked at that team sheet and you were very, very happy to have the name Ray Wilson at left-back. "We got on better as time wears on because the [club] rivalry ceases after a while. It was a bit intense with Leeds United and everything. "But you get a little bit older and you appreciate the individual more than the rivalry. Ray was world class and you needed that. 1:35 Gordon Banks and Peter Shilton pay tribute to Ray Wilson, member of England's 1966 World Cup winning team. "We had Banks, Wilson, [Bobby] Moore, Charlton - I don't care what era you're in, you mention those names and they would have gone into any team in the world, any generation."<doc-sep>"Ray probably wasn't as recognised as the other lads but I think as a team-mate you looked at the team sheet and you were very, very happy to have the name Ray Wilson at left-back", he said.<doc-sep>Advertisement Eight days before the launch of another World Cup and England's heroes of 1966 gathered to pay their last respects to one of their dwindling number. At the funeral of Ray Wilson in West Yorkshire the tributes flowed for the finest left back of his generation, one of the greatest of all time and one who transformed the role with his pace and mobility and his desire to get forward. 'A lovely guy and a super footballer,' said Gordon Banks. 'He had such great speed. He could give his winger three yards start and still catch him up and make sure he did not get a cross into my box. He was terrific.' England and Leeds legend Jack Charlton wipes away the tears as he attends the funeral of former team-mate Ray Wilson Wilson's coffin is received by pallbearers (pictured). He played for England 63 times and was the side's oldest player in the 4-2 win over West Germany in the World Cup Final Sir Geoff Hurst (pictured left) and Sir Bobby Charlton (right, with his wife Norma) were among those who travelled to Wilson's hometown of Huddersfield for a service on Wednesday Five heroes of the 1966 team were present and were joined by other familiar faces from the world of football as well as fans wearing shirts and scarves bearing England's Three Lions and the crests of Huddersfield Town and Everton. The two clubs Wilson served with such distinction were both represented and Huddersfield are making plans to dedicate a pre-season friendly to the passing of one of their legends. 'Ray was an icon of Huddersfield,' said Town director Sean Jarvis. 'He was a national hero for his football exploits but he meant more than that to us. He was a family man and a fan of our football club and a true gent.' England will play just 20 miles from Huddersfield on Thursday and yet the FA were represented at the funeral by Tony McCallum, the national coach development manager, rather than any of their senior executives. Gareth Southgate was busy preparing his team at St George's Park to face Costa Rica at Elland Road in Leeds. Others were away on business and, although the FA hosted Wilson's family at Wembley against Nigeria on Saturday, the absence was noted and did not create a good impression. Jack Charlton (right) leaves the funeral of 1966 World Cup winner Ray Wilson along with his wife Pat (shown left) Football icons including Roger Hunt (left), Jack Charlton (middle) and Gordon Banks (right) gathered for the funeral of Wilson (pictured in the order of service) as mourners paid tribute to 'England's greatest left back' The coffin is taken into Huddersfield Crematorium on Wednesday afternoon as mourners gather for the service Mourners stood in the aisles and spilled out through the doors at Huddersfield Crematorium. There was Nat King Cole (Unforgettable) and Frank Sinatra (Fly Me To The Moon) because Wilson enjoyed the classic crooners. And there were plenty of smiles among friends and former teammates as they shared tales of his competitive spirit and devilishly sharp wit. He was described as a 'black belt in dominoes and cards' by Andrew Ward, a close friend who delivered a touching tribute. Among his many recollections was one about the only time Wilson was booked during his career, when Leeds had been awarded a disputed late penalty against Everton and were unable to decide who should take it. 'You might as well take it yourself, ref,' suggested Everton's star full-back. 'Come here Wilson,' ordered the referee. 'Yes Mr Mainwaring,' quipped Wilson in reply, with comic timing of Dad's Army precision. His name was promptly taken. His sense of humour was a common theme, a useful quality when he quit football and moved into the family undertakers' business. The World Cup winners would meet up regularly, every year or two, and Sir Geoff Hurst told how Wilson would whip out a business card in jest if anyone arrived complaining of an ailment. Sir Bobby Charlton (left) and Banks (right) were teammates with Wilson, who died after a battle with dementia aged 83 last month, when England famously won the World Cup in 1966 Wilson is pictured hoisting up England captain Bobby Moore as the country celebrates its World Cup win at Wembley in 1966 Wilson's coffin is carried by a hearse to Huddersfield Crematorium, where mourners and legends gathered to say goodbye Mike Summerbee (left) and Norman Hunter (right) were also present at the service, which took place in Huddersfield, where Wilson worked as an undertaker after his football career Hurst said Wilson, the oldest player in the team, was also a calming dressing room influence with his wit and no-nonsense wisdom. Ahead of the final at Wembley, it was his Derbyshire accent which cut through the giddy pre-match excitement to ask what all the fuss was about, and remind his team-mates to calm down and relax because it would be just like any other game. Banks and Roger Hunt were able to make the journey. As were Sir Bobby Charlton and his brother Jack, towering head and shoulders above the rest of the congregation although, at 83, increasingly frail. Wilson was 83 when he died last month, having lived for years with Alzheimer's, and he and his wife Pat were praised by Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, for raising awareness of the disease. Martin Peters and Nobby Stiles are also diagnosed with Alzheimer's and were unable to attend the service. George Cohen was the other of those World Cup winners still alive not able to make it. Bobby Moore died in 1993 at the age of 51 and Alan Ball in 2007 at the age of 61. These individuals, moulded into a team by Sir Alf Ramsey, would create a bond to survive for decades. 'It was such a huge achievement,' said Banks. Something which becomes more evident with every passing four-year cycle. Twelve tournaments have sailed by without England coming close again. Ray Wilson's place in history is secure.<doc-sep>Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter by email with the day's key headlines and transfer news Invalid Email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Sir Bobby Charlton and brother Jack reunited to pay their respects to England World Cup hero Ray Wilson. The pair were both in attendance at the funeral of fellow 1966 cup winner Wilson, who passed away last month. Bobby and Jack were joined by other members of the legendary squad and wider football community who attended the funeral, which was held at Huddersfield Crematorium on Wednesday. Sir Geoff Hurst and Gordon Banks were among those present, with Mike Summerbee also in attendance. Jack was seen wiping away tears from his eyes outside of the crematorium ahead of the emotional farewell. (Image: Tony Spencer) (Image: PA) (Image: Tony Spencer) It was perhaps a surprise to see Bobby and Jack together at the same location, after the pair's fallout in 1996. Younger sibling Jack accused his brother of not visiting their mother, Cissie, before her death. Jack claimed that there was a clash between Bobby's wife Norma and Cissie which caused the disagreement. Over a decade later, the pair were still at odds with one another, with Bobby branding Jack a bully, adding that Jack's comments about Norma were "absolutely disgraceful" and "mistaken". In a book released in 2007, Bobby said: "My wife is a very strong character and does not suffer fools gladly. I am not suggesting my mother was a fool. There was a clash and it just never went away really. (Image: PA) (Image: SWNS.com) (Image: PA) (Image: SWNS.com) (Image: SWNS.com) "Jack came out in the newspapers saying things about my wife that were absolutely disgraceful. Nonsense. Ask anybody that ever met my wife: 'hoity-toity' is not a word they'd use. My brother made a big mistake. I don't understand why he did it. He could not possibly have known her and said what he said." Meanwhile, final tributes were paid to Wilson, who passed away aged 83 following a battle with Alzheimer’s disease for several years. Composed and strong on the pitch, he will always be remembered as a member of the successful 1966 side under Sir Alf Ramsey, although he was never one to seek the limelight. (Image: SWNS.com) (Image: SWNS.com) As a result, he was often one of the forgotten members of the squad. He is featured on many of the iconic pictures from that day at Wembley, helping to hoist skipper Bobby Moore aloft, and is also in the Upton Park Champions statue of the winners down in London. Born in Shirebrook, Derbyshire on December 17, 1934, Ramon Wilson — believed to have been named after a Mexican silent-movie idol — became an apprentice on the railways after leaving school but was quickly spotted playing amateur football by Town. (Image: SWNS.com) An inside forward in his early seasons at Leeds Road, it was during a practice match that Roy Goodall suggested he fill in for Laurie Kelly at full back. Bill Shankly watched the match and, together with Goodall - an England full back himself - suggested Wilson take up the position permanently. While Ray himself wasn’t keen, the path to national and international glory had been set. (Image: Daily Mirror) He had signed for the club after National Service and emerged into the first team in the 1955-56 season, making his debut in a 3-0 defeat at Manchester United under manager Andy Beattie. It was under Shankly, in 1957-58, that he became firmly established in the Town team, and by April 1960 he was ready to represent his country - making his England debut in a 1-1 draw with Scotland. Over the next 12 months he became a fixture for the Three Lions and he was a shoo-in for the 1962 World Cup squad in Chile. He played in all three Group games and England’s elimination by Brazil in the quarter-finals in Vina del Mar. Brazil won 3-1 with the help of star winger Garrincha’s double and went on to lift the trophy by beating Czechoslovakia. (Image: PA) Wilson’s other two meetings with Brazil came at Wembley in May 1963, when England claimed a 1-1 draw, and May 1964, when the home side won 5-1 in Rio de Janeiro. He was transferred from Town to Everton a month later, having made 283 appearances in blue and white stripes, and became a fixture for over 100 matches at Goodison Park, winning the FA Cup with them in May 1966 in a 3-2 victory over Sheffield Wednesday. Just two months later, he featured in English football’s greatest day, that 4-2 extra-time victory over West Germany in the World Cup final. While the crowd was registered at 96,924, the British TV audience peaked at 32.3 million viewers. Two years later, Wilson was on the losing side in the FA Cup final as Everton were beaten by West Brom, 1-0. With injuries starting to take their toll, Wilson was granted a free transfer to Oldham Athletic for the 1969-70 season and finished his career the following season at Bradford City. Having always lived in Huddersfield, Ray set up a successful undertaker’s business after retirement from playing, living in Calderdale and, in more recent years, in Slaithwaite with his loving wife Pat. He retired from that business in 1997. One of Huddersfield Town’s legends, on the 50th anniversary of the World Cup win the club released an all-red second change shirt in his honour - similar to the one worn by England in the final in 66 – and it featured the tag line ‘Legends Are Rarely Made’. (Image: Mirrorpix) His signature featured in white under the white badge on the front. Pat issued a statement from their two sons, Russell and Neil, at the time, saying: “We are very grateful and humbled that Huddersfield Town have chosen to honour our father with this kit. “We have spoken to him about it and he is absolutely delighted.<doc-sep>
SIR BOBBY CHARLTON and his brother Jack were seen together for the first time in years as England's 1966 World Cup heroes paid their respects at the funeral of team-mate Ray Wilson. Wilson, often described as England's greatest ever left-back, died last month after a battle with dementia, aged 83. 11 Bobby Charlton leaves the Huddersfield Crematorium after the funeral of fellow 1966 World Cup winner Ray Wilson Credit: PA:Press Association 11 Defender Jack Charlton shows signs of emotion at the funeral of his England team-mate Credit: PA:Press Association Sir Bobby and Jack made a rare appearance together, with the pair involved in a long-standing family feud. The duo fell out 22 years ago as Jack accused his younger brother of failing to visit their mother Cissie ahead of her death, after Bobby's wife Norma had argued with her. In a book released in 2007, Bobby said comments that Jack made about Norma were "absolutely disgraceful" and "mistaken". World Cup final hero Sir Geoff Hurst was also among the mourners at the service at Huddersfield Crematorium, in the town where Wilson made his name as a player. Football legends pay their tributes at England World Cup winner Ray Wilson's funeral 11 Sir Bobby Charlton was alongside his wife Norma Ball Credit: PA:Press Association 11 Ray Wilson celebrates with the World Cup trophy after England beat West Germany 4-2 in the final in 1966 Credit: Hulton Archive - Getty 11 Ray Wilson, one of the members of England's 1966 World Cup winning side, died last month after a battle dementia Credit: PA:Press Association 11 Sir Geoff Hurst travelled up to Yorkshire to pay tribute to his old team-mate Credit: PA:Press Association They were joined by World Cup winning team-mate Gordon Banks at the service today. Wilson was born in Derbyshire and played for Huddersfield Town, Everton, Oldham Athletic and Bradford City. He played for England 63 times and was the side's oldest player in the 4-2 win over West Germany in the World Cup Final. Wilson began his career at Huddersfield, and after spending 12 years with the Terriers he left to join Everton in 1964. 11 Gordon Banks was another of the 1966 side who paid their respects at Huddersfield Crematorium Credit: SWNS:South West News Service 11 Gordon Banks waves at onlookers as he attends the funeral of Ray Wilson Credit: SWNS:South West News Service But two years later would undoubtedly prove to be the absolute pinnacle of his career. The left-back won the FA Cup with the Toffees just weeks before going on to win the ultimate accolade with his country. Unfortunately for Wilson he would suffer a number of injuries in the years that followed and he was granted a free transfer to Oldham in 1969. He played 25 times for the Latics before going on to join Bradford City 12 months later - taking caretaker charge of the team briefly also - but retired in 1971. After he retired from the game he ran an undertakers, keeping a lower media profile than his England team-mates, and lived in Slaithwaite near Huddersfield. He and his widow Pat had two sons. His family has asked for donations to be made to the Alzheimer's Society in lieu of flowers, and asked people not to wear black. 11 Roger Hunt joins his England team-mates in conversation before the service Credit: SWNS:South West News Service 11 Ray Wilson, front of picture, was the oldest member of the England World Cup winning team Credit: Getty - Contributor 11 Sir Bobby Charlton leaves the service with fellow mourners Credit: Mercury Press