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The Story of Soccer's Most Famous Dog, Pickles


In preparation for World Cup 1966, the Jules Rimet trophy was proudly put on public display at Methodist Central Hall in Westminster, England. Unfortunately, on March 20 1966, the trophy was stolen when the security guards were taking a coffee break.

With only three months to go before hosting the World Cup, England had lost soccer's greatest prize. A police investigation began and, as word of the stolen trophy spread, the England FA scrambled to save face.

Eventually, there was a black mail exchange set-up between the thief, Edward Bletchley, and FA Chairman Joe Mears, but it went terribly wrong. When Bletchley became suspect of a van near the exchange, he attempted to flee and was arrested-- but without the trophy.

This is where our little Pickles steps in. On Sunday evening, David Corbett had stepped out of his flat in Norwood in South London with the 4-year-old Pickles to make a telephone call from the outside phone booth. As they were walking by a neighbor's car, Pickles drew Corbett's attention to a package that was tightly wrapped in newspaper lying by the wheel. When he picked it up and tore open the paper, he found the elusive trophy!

Pickles became an immediate hero and an instant celebrity to England and the world. Following the World Cup, Pickles and Corbett enjoyed immense media attention and Pickles even starred in numerous films and televison shows. After his death, Pickles was buried in Corbett's back garden in Lingfield, Surrey.

Pickles the Dog saved World Cup 1966 for England who indeed won the event later that summer. Today their is still much fascination about little Pickles and his story and, at WorldSoccerShop.com, his memory still lives helping you sniff out all the products you are looking for!


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