Remembering Bobby

West Ham United will never forget the unique contribution made to the Club by the late, great Bobby Moore OBE.

The man who led the Hammers to FA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup glory and England to the greatest achievement in this country's sporting history, the 1966 FIFA World Cup, will live on forever in the hearts of everyone connected with the Club.

Under the guidance of the current Board, Moore's connection with the Club he represented 646 times between 1958 and 1974 remains strong.

The late captain's daughter Roberta and grandchildren Poppy, Ava and Freddie were guests of honour at the visit of Tottenham Hotspur in February this year, when the entire stand named in Moore's honour paid their own special tribute in the shape of a mosaic depicting his name and famous No6 shirt to mark 20 years since his passing.

Speaking in the Official Programme for that fixture, Roberta said her father had never lost touch with 'his' Club.

"It is where his career started," she said. "He is a Barking boy and an East End boy and West Ham was his club. It was part of his life.

"Our son Freddie was mascot at Upton Park when he was nine, about seven years ago, and we all went back again last September and my previous visit literally seemed like yesterday. It just feels very special here and the minute I arrive, I start thinking of the old days.

"The pride I feel is overwhelming as you can imagine. It is a long time ago, but whenever Dad's name comes up, everyone speaks so fondly and highly of him."

To show that the Moores' links to the Club remain strong, Freddie impressed during a week's work experience at the Boleyn Ground just a few weeks ago. Roberta also endorsed the Club's use of her father's name to bring his career to life for the younger generations of supporters who never saw him in action.

At the Club he called home, Bobby's greatness has been immortalised in the 'Moore than a Football Club' brand - recognising the values and traditions that set him apart from the rest.

"I think it is genius and a very inspired and clever piece of branding," she said. "I'm really happy to be a part of it. West Ham do a lot in the community and Dad is the perfect embodiment of what the club stands for, and vice versa."

That same No6 shirt was retired for evermore in 2008, when his widow Stephanie Moore MBE took part in a special ceremony at the Boleyn Ground.

This year, the Hammers have also raised well in excess of £50,000 for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK, supporting the charity founded by Stephanie.

That figure is set to increase still further with the upcoming auction of shirts worn during the pre-season visit of Pacos de Ferreira.

Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold and the Board have vowed never to let the memory of the finest captain this country has ever known fade.

In a joint statement, Mr Sullivan and Mr Gold paid tribute once more to the best player ever to wear a claret and blue shirt.

"Bobby had a style and elegance on the football pitch that was unique. He was a hero to both of us and a hero to every West Ham and England supporter, and still is.

"We were fortunate enough to get to know him well when we employed him as Sports Editor at our Sunday Sport newspaper in 1986, when most other people in football had turned their back on him. We couldn't quite understand why a man of his magnitude was struggling for work after his playing days, so we were only too happy to appoint him.

"We always found Bobby to be a gentleman, and one who would make time for anyone, regardless of what they did at the newspaper. He was fantastic to work with and we were both rendered star-struck nearly every time we met him. He really was a one off.

"When we arrived at West Ham United, we were keen to right the wrongs of some of the previous owners by ensuring Bobby's memory lived on and, earlier this year, we were honoured to pay tribute to him on the 20th anniversary of his untimely passing.

"In February, we were joined by Bobby's team-mates, friends, family members and thousands upon thousands of supporters in remembering a man and a player who brought so much to our lives, on and off the pitch.

"For us, as is true for every football fan throughout the world, there will never be another Bobby Moore."