HAMMERS TRIBUTE
West Ham unveil statue of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters with the latter's ashes interred into foundations
Updated: 0:54, 30 Sep 2021
WEST HAM have unveiled a statue of the club's most beloved heroes Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters at the London Stadium.
And the Hammers have interred Peters' ashes into the foundations of the structure after the England World Cup winner died in December 2019.
West Ham have unveiled a statue of club heroes Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin PetersCredit: Rex
And Peters' ashes were interred in the foundations of the structure with the blessing of his family
The statue depicts the trio celebrating West Ham's European Cup Winner's Cup success in 1965
A small ceremony took place outside London Stadium on Wednesday
Moore, Hurst and Peters stand eternal as the finest players the Hammers have ever produced.
The trio were pivotal in England's only World Cup win in 1966.
In the historic 4-2 final win over West Germany at Wembley, Moore was captain, Hurst scored the only hat-trick ever to be scored in a World Cup final and Peters bagged the other.
Plaistow-born Peters played 364 games for West Ham after joining as a 15-year-old in 1959.
He won Hammer of the Year in 1965 - the season the Irons won the European Cup Winner's Cup.
And that is the event the statue commemorates with Peters and Hurst immortalised holding Moore on their shoulders with the legendary No 6 holding the trophy aloft.
Hurst is the last survivor of the much-loved Hammers trio after Peters' death from illness less than two years ago.
And the 79-year-old was in attendance at the ceremony at the stadium on Wednesday.
Club captain Mark Noble, vice-skipper Declan Rice and manager David Moyes were also present along with co-owner David Gold and vice-chair Karren Brady.
And the club welcomed fellow members of the 1965 winning team – Brian Dear, Ronnie Boyce, Ken Brown and Jack Burkett.
The decision to inter Peters' ashes is one that will sit well with West Ham fans.
And his wife Kathy said: "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.
"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.
"Martin lived for football. Whether it was playing or watching in later years.
"West Ham meant so much to him and I know he would be so proud to now be surrounded by the fans he loved as they watch the team on a matchday.
"That makes me very happy."
Mark Noble, David Moyes and Declan Rice were at Wednesday's ceremonyCredit: Rex
Sir Geoff Hurst watched on as he was honoured along with his former team-matesCredit: Rex
Members of West Ham's 1965 Cup Winner's Cup team were also presentCredit: Rex
The three East London icons have a statue near West Ham's beloved old Upton Park ground.
Most fans wanted it to accompany the club to the London Stadium in 2016 but it remains at the end of Green Street.
But the new tribute - and the accompanying plaques - are a welcome addition to their new home.
Hurst was involved in the statue's design along with Moore's daughter Roberta and Kathy Peters.
And Roberta said: "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.
"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.
"I was asked by the club to be involved from the initial concept.
"I think I had probably eight or nine visits to the artists, and it's an amazing journey to be on to see all the feedback taken on board and to see it animated and come to life.
"The level of detail, even in the socks and the laces and the club badge, a lot of time and effort has been put into those characteristics."
West Ham welcome Rapid Vienna to East London in their first ever home Europa League group stage game on Thursday.
Moyes' men got off to a perfect start with a 2-0 win at Dinamo Zagreb earlier this month.
And Moore's daughter hopes it's the start of things to come.
She added: "It couldn't be more fitting timing with the unveiling today and with the match tomorrow.
"I just hope – and I know dad would as well – that it just unveils another glorious period of European football for West Ham.
"I just hope the fans will be inspired by it too. It's the club's history and it just heralds an amazing era. Let's hope it carries on."
West Ham fans will be able to enjoy the permanent tribute to their three greatest sonsCredit: Rex
Bobby Moore
Sir Geoff Hurst