Best's old school gets replica of '68 trophy

A striking reminder of George Best's greatest footballing triumph is to be put permanently on display in the corridors where he walked as a schoolboy.   The 1968 European Cup was won by a Best-inspired Manchester United in an extra-time victory against Benfica of Portugal.  It was the first time the cup went to England.   Best never returned to his alma mater with club football's fore- most prize but yesterday Lisnasharragh High School in east Belfast added a specially commissioned replica to their collection of memorabilia.   Principal Lyn Thompson was presented with a hand-crafted model of the famous 1968 cup by The Irish News on behalf of English souvenir company Trophy Connoisseur.

The European Cup was the most prestigious trophy George Best won during his playing career, and his exploits in 1968 would later earn him the honour of European  Footballer of the Year.  The club final had an added significance as United had not won the league championship that year and the team was getting on in years.

It was seen by many as manager Matt Busby's last chance to fulfil his ambition of winning the coveted cup.  After 90 minutes the score was 1-1.  Two minutes into extra time United regained the lead when Best won the ball, rounded the Benfica keeper Henrique and slotted it in as defenders raced back.  Best later said he wanted to take the ball up the line, stop, lie down and nod it over with his head but the defenders got back too quickly so he could not risk it.  United would score two more goals and win the final 4-1.

Souvenir manufacturing company Trophy Connoisseur.com contacted The Irish News offering to donate a replica of the 1968 cup to Belfast to mark George Best's passing.   "We were delighted to help out when approached and we felt Lisnasharragh High School was the appropriate home for the trophy,"  Noel Doran, editor of The Irish News, said.

Jonathan Williams, managing director of Trophy Connoisseur, said he wanted to offer the souvenir as "a gesture of goodwill from the people of Liverpool".  He said he was delighted Best's former school had been chosen as the recipient.  "I hope that Belfast looks at this cup with pride and will try and better themselves.  This trophy belongs to the kids of Belfast and it is a pleasure to do something for Ireland," he said.

Yesterday the trophy was taken from class to class at Lisnasharragh.  It will be put on permanent display in the school.

Best is fondly remembered there as a quiet, intelligent pupil who was a school prefect during his final two years and indulged his passion for football at every available opportunity.

"He never returned to the school but we have had various gifts from him and contact from him via his dad and sisters," Ms Thompson said.  "This is a major honour and we will make a prominent space for this trophy."