A statement from West Ham United club captain Mark Noble…
Like every West Ham fan, I am extremely sad to hear of the passing of Martin Peters and, on behalf of all the players - throughout the men’s, women’s and Academy squads - I would like to send our thoughts and best wishes to his family at this time.
As someone lucky enough to come through the Academy at Chadwell Heath, Martin Peters was a name that I became aware of as soon as I walked in the building for the very first time. Along with Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst, the three greatest players in the club’s history, and the example that we all aspired to follow.
I’ve never really thought about the fact that Martin wore the number 16 shirt for England in the World Cup final - the same number I wear for West Ham - but it gives me immense pride to have that small link to him in some way.
He and those 10 other men achieved something that I and every other English footballer have only ever been able to dream about. He will always be an inspiration to every young boy or girl who ever decides to kick a ball and, along with Bobby and Geoff, he will stand as the pinnacle for every Academy player here at West Ham United.
The fact that those three came through together at our club is something that we should forever be proud of. Bobby Moore will always be held up as our greatest shining light, but Martin Peters shone just as brightly.
As long as I am fortunate enough to be captain of this football club, I will always consider it my duty to make sure that every player who pulls on the claret and blue shirt is aware of what Martin Peters means to West Ham, and I am sure those who follow me will do the same.