Latest news with #GeoffHurst
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Make Bobby a Knight! Sporting and TV giants join Mail Sport's campaign to honour England hero Moore
Sporting and TV giants are backing the campaign for England hero Bobby Moore, captain of the historic 1966 World Cup-winning side, to receive a knighthood. The legendary Moore died in 1993 from cancer but was tragically never knighted. He made his debut for the Three Lions in 1962 and was capped 108 times during his 11-year international career, in which he famously steered his country to glory. Moore is widely considered to be one of the game's greatest ever defenders, commended for his 'immaculate' behaviour on and off the pitch. Sir David Beckham and Sir Geoff Hurst are among those to have asked for Moore to be properly recognised for his services to football and to charity. Here are the latest to support Mail Sport's campaign to honour a true great... PAUL MERSON ENGLAND & ARSENAL Bobby Moore is a legend and legends should never be forgotten. GRAHAM GOOCH OBE CAPTAIN OF ENGLAND & ESSEX - CRICKET The standards Bobby set as a player, a captain, a leader, and above all as an ambassador for his country will be unsurpassed. He fashioned the mould in how to behave and conduct yourself, we all still try and reach for that ideal. He shaped my future attitude towards my goal to represent and love my country and to strive to emulate his great feats. We are all custodians of our rich sporting heritage for such a short while, Bobby made the biggest mark on the English game and was the ultimate custodian for his sport. BARRY HEARN, OBE SPORTS PROMOTER Bobby Moore was a knock-out West Ham captain and England World Cup winner who was never honoured as he should have been. DES LYNAM, OBE SPORTS PRESENTER A long overdue honour for Bobby, for whom the phrase 'Modest, stillness and humility' sums him up. CHRIS TARRANT TV BROADCASTER Bobby was simply the greatest English skipper ever, always showing total composure both on and off the pitch. STUART LAWSON Why Bobby Moore Deserves a Posthumous Knighthood – A Supporter's View Bobby Moore was more than just a footballer – he was the embodiment of English sporting greatness, humility, and class. As captain of England's only World Cup-winning team in 1966, Moore lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy not just as a player, but as a leader, a role model, and a gentleman of the game. His contributions to football, to his country, and to the spirit of sportsmanship go far beyond 90 minutes on the pitch. Moore's legacy stretches from his early days at West Ham United – where he became a club legend – to his time at Fulham, and ultimately to the world stage. But Bobby wasn't just respected by his teammates and fans. He was revered by his opponents too, including the likes of Pelé, who called him the greatest defender he ever faced. That level of admiration speaks volumes. He epitomised dignity, belief, and integrity, carrying himself with calm authority both in victory and defeat. In a game that often polarises, Bobby Moore was universally loved – and still is, by football fans across the globe. You'll find his statue proudly standing outside Wembley Stadium, yet somehow, the country he loved never gave him its highest honour: a knighthood. It's time to put that right. Honouring Bobby Moore with a posthumous knighthood isn't just about football – it's about recognising a national icon, a man who brought the country together in one of its proudest moments. It's about acknowledging that character, leadership, and inspiration are as worthy of knighthood as any accolade given in public service or the arts. Bobby Moore gave everything for England. It's time England gave something back. Let's give Sir Bobby Moore the recognition he's always deserved.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Make Bobby a Knight! English football joins the campaign to honour icon Moore
A host of big names are supporting the call for England legend Bobby Moore, who captained the 1966 World Cup-winning side, to receive a posthumous knighthood. The iconic Moore died in 1993 from cancer and was tragically never knighted. He made his debut for the Three Lions in 1962 and was capped 108 times during his 11-year international career, in which he famously steered his country to glory. West Ham great Moore is widely considered to be one of the game's greatest ever defenders, commended for his 'immaculate' behaviour on and off the pitch. Sir David Beckham and Sir Geoff Hurst are among those to have asked for Moore to be properly recognised for his services to football and to charity. Here, the great and the good of English football backs Mail Sport's campaign to honour an icon... STUART PEARCE ENGLAND AND NOTTINGHAM FOREST When I was growing up, if there was one iconic figure from the generation that preceded mine it would have to be Bobby Moore. I find it quite incredible that he wasn't knighted and if there is anyone more deserving of that honour, I don't know who it is. I would also like to commend Stephanie Moore for all the work she has done for the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research, which has raised over £31 million - that in itself is an incredible total. TONY COTTEE ENGLAND AND WEST HAM, EVERTON Bobby Moore has always been my hero and his service to football and the legacy of the charity in his name should be honoured immediately. TONY GALE WEST HAM Bobby Moore was my hero. I was lucky enough to have worn the Number 6 shirt at the two clubs that Bobby played for - West Ham and Fulham. I then followed him in my broadcasting career at Capital Gold alongside Jonathan Pearce. It was an honour to have known him. He should also be recognised with an honour himself - a knighthood. Let's all treasure and remember the greatest of all defenders and World Cup-winning captain. TERRY BUTCHER ENGLAND AND ARSENAL Bobby was my hero, and that's why I always tried to wear the Number 6 shirt. A true gentleman and a brilliant defender. JOE COLE ENGLAND AND WEST HAM Having come through at West Ham, Bobby was held up as an example of how a footballer and human being should be. Class, leader, noble and role model. ALAN SMITH ENGLAND AND ARSENAL Bobby Moore was a childhood hero of mine. What a player - and what an achievement in leading England to their 1966 World Cup triumph. He should be recognised as a national icon. LES FERDINAND ENGLAND AND QPR Bobby Moore was the first and only England captain to lift the World Cup, still the nation's only major football trophy. This should never be forgotten. He was inspirational to all who had the opportunity to wear the Three Lions on their shirt. LEE DIXON ENGLAND AND ARSENAL Bobby made the art of defending look easy. He made it cool to be a defender. The relationship he had with Pele, arguably the best player to ever play the game, says it all. The great Pele had the ultimate respect for England's captain. Simply the best! IAN WRIGHT OBE ENGLAND AND ARSENAL Bobby was the epitome of grace, leadership and sporting excellence - a true gentleman of the game. His calm presence at the back, impeccable timing and dignified conduct on and off the pitch made him a national hero and a global ambassador for the sport. A knighthood for Bobby Moore isn't just deserved - it's long overdue. He stands as a timeless symbol of what football can be at its very best. DAVID SEAMAN ENGLAND AND ARSENAL Bobby Moore was the epitome of strength and leadership both on and off the field, at club level, at national level and on an international stage. He was a true giant of the game and a national hero, but most importantly, we will always remember that everything he achieved was done with a smile on his face. MIKE SUMMERBEE ENGLAND AND MANCHESTER CITY Bobby was a very good friend of mine and I knew him better than most. I didn't call him Bobby, I called him Robert because that was his name. He was unique in every way. A great captain, great man and a great friend. I was in the shirt-making business with him and the only reason I appeared in the film Escape to Victory was because he asked me, 'Do you fancy being an actor?' He was one of the nicest people you could ever meet and it shouldn't be a difficult task to get Bobby Moore a knighthood.
Belfast Telegraph
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Glentoran manager and captain among host of footballer and celebrity signatories to ending hunger open letter
Glentoran manager Declan Devine and club captain Marcus Kane are among the figures from football and entertainment who have signed an open letter asking supporters to take 'collective action' to end hunger in the UK. The move is part of the 'Football vs Hunger' campaign by anti-poverty charity Trussell and signatories to the open letter also include the likes of World Cup winners Sir Geoff Hurst and Emmanuel Petit, former Liverpool forward Robbie Fowler and Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio. Also included in the open letter are the signatures of footballers Neville Southall, Peter Schmeichel, actors Jason Isaacs and Matt Lucas, entertainment artists, KSI and Tom Grennan, and those familiar to TV viewers such as Vernon Kay, Henry Winter and Hayley McQueen. The Trussell campaign is also backed by clubs from across the country, including Glentoran, Liverpool, Everton, St Johnstone, Motherwell and Bangor 1876 FC. In their open letter to fans, the stars from football and beyond say: 'Football means so much to so many of us, and we all care deeply about our own team's success. But, some things mean more than individual club rivalries. Like, ensuring nobody experiences hunger - no matter what team they support. 'While food banks are a lifeline, they're not the solution. And, we need collective action if we are to ensure that everyone can afford the essentials. 'And, we're asking for your support. 'From tackling racism, to standing up to homophobia, the football community has shaped a better society, by uniting to make clear what we think is acceptable as a nation. It's now time for fans, players and clubs to come together and tackle one of the biggest challenges facing the UK - hunger. 'Football vs Hunger is a chance for clubs, players and fans to come together to show their support by signing for Trussell FC, and joining a team who are committed to relegating hunger to history.' Last month Trussell revealed that 2.9 million emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship across the UK between April 2024 and March 2025, a 51% increase compared to five years ago, and more than a million of the parcels were provided for children. Speaking about these figures, 1966 World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst said: "In the UK, someone needs an emergency food parcel every 11 seconds, this isn't right. I'm proud to support Football vs Hunger and encourage football fans to play their part in ending the need for food banks in the UK by signing for Trussell FC." Fans can show their support by signing for Trussell FC at You can find out how many emergency food parcels were distributed in your area on the Trussell website:
Powys County Times
30-04-2025
- Health
- Powys County Times
MPs urged to address ‘scandalous' dementia support for families of ex-players
Campaigners have called on MPs to help tackle what they say is a 'scandalous' lack of funding to support the families of footballers diagnosed with dementia. Former England stars including Sir Geoff Hurst and Kevin Keegan went to the House of Commons on Tuesday evening to meet with MPs in support of the Football Families for Justice (FFJ) campaign. FFJ wants football's new independent regulator to impose a statutory duty on the sport's national authorities to develop a comprehensive dementia strategy, including a substantially-increased care fund. FFJ is headed up by John Stiles, the son of former England and Manchester United midfielder Nobby Stiles, who died in October 2020. A post-mortem on 1966 World Cup winner Stiles' brain found he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with repetitive head impacts. Stiles told the PA news agency that the Brain Health Fund, set up with an initial £1million in 2023 by players' union the Professional Footballers' Association with support from the Premier League, was a 'smokescreen', 'PR exercise' and 'not fit for purpose'. 'My dad's care costs were £125,000 – £1m won't even pay for 12 families' care costs for a year. We want a properly financed fund,' he said. Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton, whose father died from dementia, told the meeting: 'Is there another union who treats their own like the PFA have treated families like they have? 'Their website (says): 'We provide players' rights, represent their views, and provide support. We are the only football organisation that solely prioritises players needs, and we are here for you, for football for life'. 'There's not one person in the room who would feel that was the case. That's not good enough.' Giving the regulator powers in this area would require an amendment to the Football Governance Bill, which had its second reading in the Commons on Monday, and Stiles accepted the chances of achieving that were 'pretty slim'. A number of MPs expressed support for widening the regulator's remit during Monday's debate, with Caerphilly's Labour MP Chris Evans saying investigating this issue was vital to avoid current England stars being at risk. The 2019 FIELD Study, co-funded by the PFA and the Football Association, found footballers were three-and-a-half times more likely to die of neurodegenerative disease than age-matched members of the population. Further FIELD Study research published last December found that the increased risk was not driven by general health or lifestyle factors. Stiles insisted the main priority for FFJ was to compel football to urgently provide greater funding to those affected. 'It's only going to get worse. Families are having to sell their homes to pay for care costs,' he said. 'We also want some sort of compensation for widows. What's going on at the moment is scandalous. It's absolutely scandalous.' An FA spokesperson said: 'We continue to take a leading role in reviewing and improving the safety of our game. 'This includes investing in and supporting multiple projects in order to gain a greater understanding of this area through objective, robust and thorough research. 'We have already taken many proactive steps to review and address potential risk factors which may be associated with football whilst ongoing research continues in this area, including liaising with the international governing bodies.'
Daily Mail
27-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Football's battle with dementia is set for Parliament: Campaigners Sir Geoff Hurst, Kevin Keegan and Mail Sport's Chris Sutton taking fight to end 'national disgrace' to Westminster
The campaign to end the 'national disgrace' of football's dementia scandal will head to Parliament this week. Former players including Sir Geoff Hurst, Kevin Keegan and Chris Sutton are to taking their fight to Westminster on Tuesday. They are part of the Football Families for Justice group, which is calling on the sport's governing bodies to provide effective assistance for ex-stars suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. Studies have shown that footballers are diagnosed with such illnesses at rates of four to five times higher than the general public. And the group wants politicians to amend the incoming Football Governance Bill to finally address the issues and force those at the top to act. The campaign, backed by the mayors of Manchester and Liverpool Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram and the likes of David Beckham and David May, aims to place a statutory duty on the football authorities and the PFA to develop a comprehensive football and dementia strategy – including a financial support scheme agreed with players past and present and their families that helps to cover care home costs. The group will meet and lobby MPs 24 hours after the second reading of the Bill where Debbie Abrahams MP will raise issues on FFJ's behalf. John Stiles, son of World Cup winner Nobby – who passed away following a battle with dementia – will also be present. 'The treatment of ex-footballers is a national disgrace,' the former Leeds United man said. 'Enough is enough. The government needs to mandate the creation of a fund that will provide best-in-class care to the players when they become ill. 'The medical evidence is conclusive. Players incur fatal brain diseases at four times the national average. This is because of heading the ball – and it is estimated that about 17,000 ex-players will die due to brain diseases incurred from heading. 'Right now we're seeing older players, many of whom played well before and outside the riches of the Premier League, and their families left to suffer this tragedy.' A £1m fund was set up by the top-flight and the PFA in the wake of the campaign led by Stiles, but has been dismissed by campaigners as woefully inadequate. 'These people deserve respect and kindness,' he added. 'They don't deserve to be fobbed off with a £1m smokescreen.' 'We have the support of people like Kevin Keegan, Graeme Souness, Sir Geoff Hurst, David Beckham, and the family of Sir Bobby Charlton. It's time for the MPs and government to step in to address this national disgrace.' Burnham, influential in the campaign for justice for those impacted by the Hillsborough tragedy, added: 'At long last, the fight for fairness for football families affected by dementia and other neuro-degenerative conditions reaches Parliament this week. 'The game's failure to deal fairly with this issue means we must now look to MPs to pass amendments to the Football Governance Bill to place a duty on the football authorities to establish a support scheme. 'There is more than enough money in football to support people who built the English game into what it is today.'
