A WORLD CUP HERO & TRUE GENT
FOOTIE LEGEND MARTIN PETERS IS DEAD AT 76
WORLD Cup-winning footie star Martin Peters has been praised as a “true gent” after losing a dementia battle at 76.
The midfielder, who scored England’s second goal when the Three Lions beat West Germany in 1966, died in his sleep.
TRIBUTES poured in last night for England World Cup-winning legend Martin Peters, who has died aged 76.
The 1966 Wembley hero, known as one of the game’s true gentlemen, had been suffering from Alzheimer’s.
His family announced his death in a statement released by his old club West Ham United.
They said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce that Martin passed away peacefully in his sleep at 4am this morning.
“A beloved husband, dad and grandad, and a kind, gentle and private man, we are devastated by his loss but so very proud of all that he achieved and comforted by the many happy memories we shared.
“We will be making no further comment and kindly ask that the privacy of our family is respected at this extremely difficult time.”
Sir Geoff Hurst, who scored a hattrick in the 4-2 win over West Germany, said: “Today is a very sad day for football and for me personally. Martin Peters was one of the all-time greats and a close friend and colleague of mine for in excess of 50 years.
“A fellow World Cup final goalscorer and my West Ham partner for years along with Bobby Moore. RIP old friend.” Presenter and former Spurs and England star Gary Lineker wrote: “Sorry to hear that Martin Peters has passed away. One of our World Cupwinning heroes. A great player and a true gentleman.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Very sad news. No England fan will ever forget the heroics of Martin Peters and his fantastic team-mates.
“My sympathies go out to all of those who knew and loved him.”
West Ham legend Tony Cottee said: “So sorry to hear about the passing of
England and West Ham legend Martin Peters. #RIPMartin. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
Former Tottenham chairman Lord Alan Sugar wrote: “RIP Martin Peters. One of the Spurs board directors under my watch as well as a great player. A real gentleman.”
And England’s official Twitter account added: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Martin Peters MBE, scorer of the Three Lions’ second goal in the 1966 World Cup final, at the age of 76.
“Our thoughts are with Martin’s family and friends at this difficult time.” Born in Plaistow, east London, on November 8, 1943, Peters came close to never playing professionally.
He would have followed in his father’s footsteps as a lighterman on the Thames had West Ham not signed him as an apprentice in 1959.
He went on to help them win the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965 before playing for Spurs, Norwich and Sheffield United.
Peters made 724 Football League appearances, scoring 175 times.
With England he won 67 caps and scored 20 times, including the second goal, below left, in the World Cup.
Known for being the complete midfielder, Peters was able to drift into goal-scoring positions unnoticed by his markers, a talent that would see him nicknamed “The Ghost”.
In his 2006 autobiography, The Ghost of ’66, he reflected on playing alongside Bobby Charlton and Jimmy Greaves.
After hanging up his boots to become a manager at Sheffield United for a year, Peters went into business with his pal and former Three Lions team-mate Sir Geoff Hurst.
Awarded an MBE in 1978, he ran successful businesses before becoming a West Ham club ambassador.