Ex-Terras boss in tribute to Best
By Matt Pitman

Saturday 26th November 2005

GRAHAM Williams has hailed George Best as the `best there was' - and the former Terras star should know.

The ex-West Bromwich Albion defender marked the Manchester United legend, who died yesterday aged 59, on the Ulsterman's debut for both club and country.

Williams, Weymouth player-manager from 1972 to 1975, faced Best for the first time in September 1963, then again the following year for Wales against Northern Ireland.

Williams, now 67 and working as a scout for Chelsea, said: "George and I were friends for many years.

"When I lived in Weymouth I used to see him all the time - he would say that he still had my autograph on his leg, while I would tell him how nice it was to see the front of him for a change.

"George made his debut against me and for Northern Ireland when I was playing for Wales. You could say I helped make his career!

"We all went on holiday to Majorca in the late 1960s and met up with George and his girlfriend Susan George. "I'd go out with my wife, while George and Susan would look after the kids.

A few United lads used to come out, but believe it or not George was actually one of the quiet ones." Williams said he was `choked' at how Best's health deteriorated before his death. He said: "George will be a great loss. In his day he was probably the best there was - no doubt about it."

Near the end of his career Best, a recovering alcoholic, joined AFC Bournemouth where he spent six months at Dean Court and helped double the club's crowds.

Former Dorchester Town player Harry Redknapp, a Cherries coach during Best's Dorset stay and now Southampton manager, said: "It was great for us just having him at Bournemouth but it was a great waste because he should have played another eight or nine years at the top.

"I played against Pele who was a fantastic player but George had unbelievable talent. I have never seen anyone like him in this country."