West Ham unveil statue in tribute to legends Moore, Hurst and Peters
West Ham have unveiled a statue paying tribute to Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters and the club’s 1965 European Cup Winners’ Cup success at the London Stadium.
Hurst, Moore’s daughter Roberta and Peters’ wife Kathy were in attendance to see the bronze sculpture’s reveal on Wednesday, along with club captain Mark Noble, Declan Rice and manager David Moyes.
Peters had his ashes laid in the foundations of the statue, which was commissioned last year as part of the club’s 125th-anniversary celebrations after consultations with supporters.
“It gives my family and I great comfort and peace to know that Martin has now been laid to rest, and we couldn’t think of anywhere better than the spot where his legacy is honoured,” Kathy Peters said.
“He would be so proud and happy to have seen this statue unveiled, alongside Bobby and Geoff. The three of them achieved something that has never been repeated since and they were part of a very special time at West Ham that we all have such great memories of.”
The unveiling of the statue, which depicts Hurst, Moore and Peters lifting the European Cup Winners’ Cup after West Ham beat 1860 Munich 2-0 at Wembley in 1965, comes ahead of Thursday’s opening home Europa League game of the season against Rapid Vienna.
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“It’s amazing to see the statue here today. I think it’s fantastic that it’s in a wonderful position when I look up at London Stadium, and that these players have got a presence here that fans for generations to come can visit and bring their children and see the legacy of the 1965 European Cup Winners’ Cup team,” said Roberta Moore.
“I’m just so grateful that it’s here and I know my Dad would be really humbled and would have a really big smile on his face.”
Hurst, Moore and Peters all came through the famed West Ham Academy of Football and went on to be part of England’s World Cup-winning squad in 1966.