Fulham legend George Cohen talks modern day Football during a visit to Wembley Stadium.



George Cohen MBE, who was part of England squad that won the 1966 World Cup, spoke to NCTJ students at the home of football - to discuss the unveiling of a statue in his honour at Craven Cottage this Saturday.

The former right-back, who played 459 times for Fulham and spent his entire career with them, also discussed the England manager's job and money in football now compared to when he played.

The last statue Fulham erected was of Michael Jackson and Cohen said he was "very proud" to replace the King of Pop.

The 76-year-old joked, "They can put a little George Clooney in, we have the same initials."

He added, "I didn't know about this until two months ago, my wife didn't tell me. When she eventually did I was flabbergasted.

"They have been taking photographs of me at my house and gave them to a genius of a sculpture and the way he designed it was amazing."

Earlier this week, the Football Association "mutually agreed" to part with Sam Allardyce after the 61-year-old was secretly recorded offering advice on how to "get around" rules on players transfers.

While Cohen rates Allardyce as a "decent manager" and feels it was a "shame" he had to leave his post after 67 days, he thinks Big Sam caught out because of greed.

"He was earning £3million a year as England manager, offering to do a deal for £400,000 is something he should not have done," he said.

Cohen had warm words for the man who has taken temporary charge of the England team.

"Gareth Southgate understands the game, he's done well with the Under 21's and I think he will do well with the seniors.

"The FA may keep him if he does a good job, only time will tell."

The subject of money in today's game was brought up and Cohen, who had offers to leave Fulham from Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool during his career - believes money is damaging the future of youth teams players.

He concluded, "When I started my career (in 1956) I was earning £20 a week and when we won the World Cup we split £22,000 between the whole squad.

"Today money rules, everybody can see.

"If you want to be at the top you have to spend money on the best players and unfortunately the other teams have got to lump it and try and do your best against them.

"Clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and even Tottenham can afford to buy these players, its wonderful for the club but not good for the youngsters.

"The skill that the foreign players brought into the country was good for our football but they took the places of our youngsters and we a suffering that today."