FORMER soldier Chris Geraghty is one man whose memory of the glorious day will never fade, despite a two day celebration that could have washed away many brain cells.

Chris, 53, of Oakenhurst Road, Blackburn, was serving in Germany with the 1st Royal Sussex and watched the match in a German bar.

"It was incredible, an unbelievable atmosphere," said Chris, who was stationed in Lemgo.

"The Germans outnumbered us by about four to one and when they got back into the game we were taking a lot of stick. I will never forget the goal which they claimed never was. Me and my mates went crazy.

"I don't suppose it would happen these days but there wasn't a bit of trouble. We celebrated for about two days and the Germans joined in with us, it was just one big party and something I will always remember," he added.

Student Damien Pickup recalled the event, the final score and the goal scorers when asked what had happened on that fateful day, 18 years before he was even a proverbial twinkle in his father's eye. And Damien, a die-hard Rovers fan, of Whitehall, Darwen, believes it is something that should be etched on the memory of every English man, woman and child.

"It is part of our history," said Damien. "I can't remember where or how I learned about it, it is just something that I know."

Another 17 year old, Tara Daniels, was a little less enthusiastic when her historical knowledge was tested.

"How would I know that, my mum was only six," said Tara, of Honeyhole, Blackburn.

Not that Tara is anti-football having played the beautiful game when she was at school.

"Its just that I can't get excited about something that happened all that time ago," said Tara.

Andrew Turner, sporting an England shirt, didn't hesitate when asked what had happened at Wembley. And though he was only five Andrew remembers a chocolate World Cup Willy having pride of place on top of the television.

His wife Pat, whose friend's daughter thinks she is 25, was less well informed. "I haven't got a clue," said Pat, although she says she has had to take an interest in football being married to Andrew and having two boys, Lee, 19, and Karl 13, who all all soccer nuts.

"I am a football fan but not fanatical like them," said Pat.

"If it is England or Blackburn are playing I'll watch and I have always gone to watch the boys play."

Frank Midgley, 74, who lives in sheltered accommodation at Imperial Gardens, Nelson, recalls watching the match on a black and white set at his then home in Bradshaw Street, Nelson.

"I don't know if I'll be around to see them win it again but you never know," he added.

They think it is all over - but as long as there are football fans perhaps it never will be.