WEST Ham United's favourite son, Bobby Moore, is one of the
sporting greats on the shortlist in Sky One's Greatest Sporting
Legends show, which gives viewers the chance to vote for their
Greatest Sporting Legend of all time.
The name of Bobby Moore was etched forever in British sporting
history when he captained England to World Cup victory at Wembley
in 1966. The modest Barking-born defender made his debut for the
Hammers in September 1958 against Manchester United and never
looked back. He was captain of the West Ham United side that lifted
the 1964 FA Cup and the Cup Winners Cup in 1965, playing his
football with a calm authority that simply oozed class.
He made defending an art, timing tackles to perfection and disguising his lack of pace with a perception of the game that was unrivalled. Off the pitch, Bobby was the model professional, conducting himself with discipline and dignity wherever he went.
In a memorable Upton Park career Bobby made 544 League appearances earning the respect and admiration of the Hammers faithful. But it is his achievements with England that Bobby is most remembered for, and in particular that wonderful summer in July 1966 when he led England to a 4-2 win over Germany in the 1966 World Cup Final at Wembley. Having made his international debut against Peru, Bobby went on to claim 108 full England caps in an international career spanning 11 years.
After a spell at Fulham, where he played against the Hammers in the 1975 FA Cup Final, and a brief stay in the newly formed American Soccer League, Bobby retired from the game and scandalously was allowed to drift out of football.
With an unimpressive managerial career behind him, Bobby turned to media work and with his huge popularity and likeable character became a hit on TV and radio.
In the Spring of 1991 England's World-cup winning captain was diagnosed with terminal cancer. But Bobby had never resisted a fight. He kept the tragic news a secret from all but his closest friends and family while continuing to cope with gruelling treatment.
On Wednesday February 24th Bobby Moore died peacefully at his home in Battersea surrounded by friends and family. But he will be forever remembered as one of history's greatest sportsmen.
For more information on how to vote Bobby Moore your Greatest Sporting Legend click here.