19 Facts About Peter Bonetti

Peter Philip Bonetti was an English professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Chelsea, the St Louis Stars, Dundee United and England.

Peter Bonetti was known for his safe handling, lightning reflexes and his graceful style, for which he was given the nickname "The Cat".

Peter Bonetti was one of several goalkeepers who specialised in a one-armed throw which could achieve a similar distance to a drop kick.

Peter Bonetti belatedly received a winners' medal in 2009, after the Football Association led a successful campaign for non-playing members of the squad to be recognised.

Peter Bonetti's parents ran a cafe on the seafront next to the Dome Cinema.

Peter Bonetti shone at an early age, playing for Worthing.

Whilst a Chelsea junior, Peter Bonetti made five appearances for Croydon Amateurs in the Surrey Senior League thanks to youth team coach Albert Tennant who was coaching Croydon at that time.

Peter Bonetti made his first team debut in 1960, and a few weeks later helped the Chelsea youth team win the FA Youth Cup.

Peter Bonetti emerged as a key figure in a talented young team which included Bobby Tambling, Terry Venables, John Hollins and Barry Bridges.

The disunity behind the scenes meant that a much-weakened team was fielded in a key match against Burnley, in which Peter Bonetti conceded six goals.

Peter Bonetti returned to the field after treatment, but was effectively playing on one leg for the rest of the match and was powerless to stop Jones scoring the opener a few minutes later.

Peter Bonetti left on a free transfer in 1975, joining the St Louis Stars of the North American Soccer League.

Peter Bonetti conceded one goal or less in two-thirds of his appearances for Chelsea.

Peter Bonetti earned seven caps for England, kept out of the team by Gordon Banks.

Peter Bonetti was a member of England's successful 1966 FIFA World Cup squad, but did not make an appearance.

Peter Bonetti was thrust into the starting line-up as a late replacement for Banks, who was suffering from severe food poisoning.

Peter Bonetti received a large amount of blame from the public for the loss, and never played for England again.

Since 2005, Peter Bonetti made several appearances for an Old England XI in various charity matches, notably against celebrity teams, usually coming on for the last 10 minutes of each match.

Peter Bonetti died on 12 April 2020, aged 78, following a long illness.