THE story of a Stourbridge referee instructor’s 1966 World Cup final experience at Wembley is one of the tales featured in new commemorative book.

Mick Boddis, now aged 77, appears in sports writer Matt Eastley’s ‘66 on ’66’ book which marks the 50th anniversary of the greatest footballing – if not sporting – occasion in England’s history being celebrated this Saturday (July 30).

Countless words have been written and spoken by the men who sported the Three Lions at the extraordinary match against West Germany, but Matt’s book instead talks to the dozens of other people who were present.

One of those people is Mick who, as a 28-year-old GPO telephone engineer and Wolves supporter, had saved up three weeks’ leave to watch the 1966 World Cup.

He and his wife Mary travelled down from Stourbridge to London, paying £3 a night in a bed and breakfast, a base from which Mick watched every game in the tournament, including all of England’s matches.

Speaking to Matt in the book, Mick, who still lives in his home town with Mary, estimates the entire experience cost him £75, saying: “It was a great way to spend the summer.”

“There were some really hot days, especially England’s quarter-final against Argentina, the week before the final. That was sweltering. I think if Argentina had played sensibly that day and stayed focused they would have beaten us.”

Mick still has his tickets and his position in the ground is imprinted in his mind – entrance 77, row 22, seat 16 – near the corner flag at the scoreboard end.

He added: “The World Cup final was one of the highlights of my life although I can still recall feeling sick when West Germany equalised in the last minute to take the match into extra time.”

Mick’s story of a life tinged with tragedy is told in full in the book which brings together the fans, the journalists, the celebrities, the musicians, the police officers, the ball boys and the officials who all witnessed the famous game.

‘66 on ‘66: I was there – Memories from English football’s greatest day’ is now available to buy at www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/66-66