February 24, 2018 marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic passing of our greatest-ever Hammer, Bobby Moore.
The legendary West Ham United defender, who led England to World Cup glory at Wembley in 1966, lost his brave battle against bowel cancer at the age of just 51, a tragedy that was mourned around the globe by millions.
The Club will be commemorating the date with a number of planned tributes and events, of which further details will be announced in due course.
However, in order to ensure that Bobby’s memory is appropriately honoured thoughout the season in which the 25th anniversary occurs, we are pleased to announce that a memorial tribute will be unveiled at Monday’s opening home match against Huddersfield Town at London Stadium, and remain in place for the entire 2017/18 campaign.
The artwork, which will appear along the mid-tier of the West Stand, features Bobby’s iconic image along with a reminder of the three major honours that represent his golden days of the mid-60s – the FA Cup, European Cup Winners’ Cup and World Cup.
Bobby’s daughter Roberta, who is founder of the Club’s principal charity The Moore Family Foundation, said: “It is wonderful to know that West Ham United will be commemorating this anniversary throughout the entire season.
“It gives me great comfort to know that, almost 25 years after his passing, Dad is still so loved and fondly remembered by football fans all around the world.
“He is still so greatly missed by his family and everyone who knew him, and this tribute is a fitting way to honour his memory."
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Gold added: “I am delighted that a tribute to Bobby will be in place at London Stadium throughout the 2017/18 season.
“As someone who was lucky enough to witness Bobby’s career from the very beginning – his debut as a 17-year-old against Manchester United in September 1958 – I, like all Hammers fans, feel privileged that one of the greatest footballers the world has ever seen was a local boy who spent the vast majority of his career at West Ham.
“David Sullivan and I were even more fortunate to get to know Bobby personally when he became a colleague in our newspaper business in the 1980s, and he was as great a man as he was a player. And yet he was so humble in his greatness.
“Since his tragic death in 1993, his legend has only grown stronger and, as we approach the 25th anniversary, we continue to honour his memory.
“I’m sure all West Ham United fans will be genuinely thrilled to know that Bobby’s image is going to be with us permanently in the stadium at matches this season.”