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Sir Geoff Hurst has recently opened up about his salary during his 13-year career at West Ham.
Hurst is considered to be one of the Hammers’ greatest players, scoring 248 goals in 499 appearances.
He also famously scored a hat-trick for England in the 1966 World Cup final against West Germany.
However, Hurst did not live the luxurious life during his playing career that modern footballers do.
AGREE or DISAGREE? Paolo Di Canio is West Ham’s BEST player ever! ⭐
26 Mar 2000: Paolo Di Canio of West Ham United expresses an opinion during the FA Carling Premiership match against Wimbledon at Upton Park in London. West Ham United won the match 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Stu Forster/Allsport
Hurst recently admitted that he only earned enough money to “pay the bills” during his early years at West Ham.
The striker came through the Hammers’ academy system before making his debut against Fulham in December 1958.
He would later sign a contract worth just £20 a week, which would equate to roughly £400 a week in 2026 (adjusted for inflation).
“My wage was £17 a week during the summer months and £20 a week during the season at West Ham when I started in 1959.
“It wasn’t loads, but it was enough to ensure I could always pay the bills,” he told The Telegraph.
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Another striking difference between football in the 1960s and today was the lack of financial advice.
Hurst said players were never encouraged to set up a pension or savings account, not that he could afford to anyway.
“I never really earned enough to save, or to put into a pension, and didn’t receive any advice to do so from the club or the FA,” he added.
Hurst’s revelations highlight just how much football has changed over the last 60 years since he was in his prime.
Several West Ham players now earn over £100,000 a week and command eight-figure transfer fees to be signed or sold.
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