Obituary: Sir Alf Ramsey, 1922-1999 - The words of Sir alf ramsey

We will win the World Cup in 1966.

Ramsey on taking over as England manager, 1963.

I suppose I will have to get used to being addressed as "Sir", but if any player gets formal with me I'll clobber him. After being knighted, 1967.

I am not one to jump over the moon or off a cliff.

Typically unemotional reaction to victory, 1969.

We have still to produce our best football. It will come against a team who come to play football and not to act as animals.

After the 1966 World Cup win over Argentina, who had Antonio Rattin sent off.

There was a band playing outside our hotel at five o'clock this morning. We were promised a police escort to the ground which never arrived. When my players went out on the pitch, they were jeered and abused by the crowd. I would have thought the Mexican public would have been delighted to welcome England. But we are delighted to be in your country and the Mexican people are wonderful people.

To Mexican journalists, 1970.

We have nothing to learn from these people.

After defeat by Brazil at the Mexico World Cup, 1970.

The missing of chances is one of the mysteries of life.

After goalless England performance, 1972.

But you cannot have enjoyed it. There were so many mistakes, so much unprofessional play.

To journalists enthusing about a goal-laden Stoke v Liverpool match, 1973.

I have to make a living just like you. I happen to make mine in a nice way whereas you make yours in a nasty way.

To an increasingly hostile media, 1973.

We are the best footballing nation in the world.

Two months after England failed to qualify for 1974 World Cup.

The draw with Poland - when we deserved to win - and defeat by Italy meant I was a dead duck. Suddenly the handshakes stopped. I sensed a coldness among the FA Council. Writing about his dismissal in the News of the World, 1973.

Scottish journalist: Welcome to Scotland, Sir Alf.

Ramsey: You must be fucking joking.

Exchange at Prestwick airport before Scotland v England match, 1967.

The Manager

He is the most patriotic man I've ever met.

Geoff Hurst, 1970.

We've all followed Ramsey. The winger was dead once you played four defenders. Alf saw that in '66 and it just took the rest of us a little longer to understand.

Dave Bowen, Wales manager, 1973.

There's no substitute for skill but the manager's job is usually to find one. Ramsey obviously found one.

George Raynor, who took Sweden to World Cup final of 1958.

Ramsey recognised that the real strengths and values of English football were embodied not by Trevor Brooking but by Nobby Stiles. Ramsey was right. Eamon Dunphy, 1981.

On the one hand Alf had Geoff [Hurst] and Roger [Hunt] who could be relied on to sweat cobs. On the other he had Jimmy Greaves, a fantastic finisher but a moderate team player. Alf did what he thought was best for the team. Mind you, if we'd lost he'd have been condemned for the rest of his days.

Bobby Charlton, 30 years after England won the World Cup.

The Player

Alf was one of the best examples of someone who made himself into a good player. He became the dominant character in the Tottenham team, but he didn't start that way. He gradually changed himself to fit the picture, practised tirelessly and turned himself into a ball-player.

Arthur Rowe, his former manager at Tottenham.

Alf was never a great one for small talk when he was with England parties; football was his one subject of conversation. He was always a pepper-and- salt man, working out moves and formations on the table.

Jackie Milburn, former England team-mate.

To have Alf Ramsey in the England side as my vice-captain was always a source of inspiration. He was one of those reliable chaps who would stand by you all the time. I've never heard him complain. His whole being is centred on playing good football to beat the opposition.

Billy Wright.

Brian Moore: Did you play when the USA beat England in the 1950 World Cup?

Ramsey: I was the only one who did.

Exchange during television interview.