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Martin (The Ghost) Peters 1943-2019 RIP

nevillenixon's picture
Submitted by nevillenixon on Sat, 21/12/2019 - 18:53

Football genius is a term that has been ritually over used, as has the term legend, with most of those named actually being leg ends! However in the case of martin Peters such eulogies don't even get close.

Martin Peters finally succumbed to the crippling neuro illness that he had been bravely battling for years, his great Pal and former club and country team mate, Sir Geoff Hurst, described Peters as a 'race horse' of a player who oozed style where ever and when ever he played.

Although best remembered for scoring England's second goal of their 4-2 victory over Germany in the 1966 World Cup final, aficionado's of the game will tell you that it was Peters who Ron Greenwood used to provide the template for 'the near post cross' that he developed while he was manager at West Ham, before he took over the England managership.

A stylish cultured player the likes of which rarely grace the field, he was a one off, and a man of great dignity and kindness. Those of us who were lucky enough to have seen Martin play in his pomp will treasure their memories, those who didn't can only wish that they had! - Ed

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metbobby1's picture

I was one of those lucky enough to have seen Martin play. I’ve been a Hammers fan since I was about nine, a home game against Liverpool which ended in a 1-1 draw. Johnny Sissons and Roger Hunt scoring the goals.
He was a fantastic midfielder and had great skills and a marvellous footballing brain.
I was devastated when he left for the Spuds in part exchange for Jimmy Greaves.
He was a true gentleman and bore his illness with great dignity.
Never flashy or big headed, he remained down to earth.
We won’t see his like in modern day football, that’s for sure.
RIP Martin.

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Dartford Bhoy's picture

Heart broken as a kid when he left for Spudz, one of our own.

Anyone know why he wasn't in the FA Cup Winning side? Just not selected or injured?

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