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| The making of an English gentleman | The making of an English gentleman |
| (40 minutes later) | |
| By Tom Geoghegan BBC News Magazine | By Tom Geoghegan BBC News Magazine |
| Every time England crash out of a football tournament, the reputation of the late Bobby Moore is fortified just a little bit more. Now a statue of the man is being unveiled outside the new Wembley Stadium. | Every time England crash out of a football tournament, the reputation of the late Bobby Moore is fortified just a little bit more. Now a statue of the man is being unveiled outside the new Wembley Stadium. |
| Few figures have transcended sport in the same way as Bobby Moore. | Few figures have transcended sport in the same way as Bobby Moore. |
| The sight of him holding the Jules Rimet trophy aloft on 30 July 1966 is one of the enduring images of that decade, instantly recognisable to those who have never paid any interest in football. | The sight of him holding the Jules Rimet trophy aloft on 30 July 1966 is one of the enduring images of that decade, instantly recognisable to those who have never paid any interest in football. |
| Moments earlier, millions watched as he climbed the Wembley steps, wiping his hand on his shorts so he could offer a clean handshake to the Queen. In that moment his mythic status as an English gentleman was sealed. | Moments earlier, millions watched as he climbed the Wembley steps, wiping his hand on his shorts so he could offer a clean handshake to the Queen. In that moment his mythic status as an English gentleman was sealed. |
| Looking back now, the image of the handsome captain in the red shirt evokes a lost age of innocence, grace, hard work and, above all, sporting success. | Looking back now, the image of the handsome captain in the red shirt evokes a lost age of innocence, grace, hard work and, above all, sporting success. |
| A statue of Moore, who died in 1993 aged 51, is to be unveiled at the new Wembley Stadium on Friday. Decades after English football's greatest hour, his hold on a nation's affection seems undiminished. Why? | A statue of Moore, who died in 1993 aged 51, is to be unveiled at the new Wembley Stadium on Friday. Decades after English football's greatest hour, his hold on a nation's affection seems undiminished. Why? |
| It's about time the gesture was made with this statue but he should have had a knighthood Alan MulleryEx-England and Fulham Wembley's Moore statue unveiled Alan Mullery, who played with Moore for England and Fulham, says his appeal in and outside the game stems simply from his talent and decency. | It's about time the gesture was made with this statue but he should have had a knighthood Alan MulleryEx-England and Fulham Wembley's Moore statue unveiled Alan Mullery, who played with Moore for England and Fulham, says his appeal in and outside the game stems simply from his talent and decency. |
| "He was a great fella and footballer and a lovely man. If he walked in the room everyone knew he was an England captain. He had that sort of charisma. And he had a wicked sense of humour. | "He was a great fella and footballer and a lovely man. If he walked in the room everyone knew he was an England captain. He had that sort of charisma. And he had a wicked sense of humour. |
| "It's about time the gesture was made with this statue but he should have had a knighthood. But it wouldn't have bothered him in the least, he would have laughed at it." | "It's about time the gesture was made with this statue but he should have had a knighthood. But it wouldn't have bothered him in the least, he would have laughed at it." |
| There was little evidence of his world class talent when the East End boy showed promise, if not outrageous talent, as a young footballer and cricketer in the 1950s. | There was little evidence of his world class talent when the East End boy showed promise, if not outrageous talent, as a young footballer and cricketer in the 1950s. |
| Outcry | Outcry |
| A career at West Ham and three World Cup finals later, came the recognition from peers like Pele and Franz Beckenbauer that here was one of the greatest - and certainly one of the most graceful - defenders ever to play the game. But while both Pele and Beckenbauer became major figures in world football after hanging up their boots Moore struggled in his post-playing days. | A career at West Ham and three World Cup finals later, came the recognition from peers like Pele and Franz Beckenbauer that here was one of the greatest - and certainly one of the most graceful - defenders ever to play the game. But while both Pele and Beckenbauer became major figures in world football after hanging up their boots Moore struggled in his post-playing days. |
| The statue in its sculptor's studio and, inset, at WembleyAfter ending his playing days in England at Fulham in 1977, Moore wrote to the FA to express an interest in the England manager's job when a vacancy became available - but never received a reply. | |
| His first league coaching role came six years later at Southend but he spent three years there without success. These were the days when former players, however successful, needed to find second careers. | His first league coaching role came six years later at Southend but he spent three years there without success. These were the days when former players, however successful, needed to find second careers. |
| He then worked for the Sunday Sport and Capital Gold Radio before his death from bowel cancer, which sparked a media campaign calling for his posthumous knighthood. There was an outcry that his talents were wasted after he retired and his Westminster Abbey memorial service resembled a state occasion. | He then worked for the Sunday Sport and Capital Gold Radio before his death from bowel cancer, which sparked a media campaign calling for his posthumous knighthood. There was an outcry that his talents were wasted after he retired and his Westminster Abbey memorial service resembled a state occasion. |
| Even the Football Association's Sir Trevor Brooking has admitted he should have been honoured earlier: "Bobby's contribution to football and history has sadly only been recognised after his premature death." | Even the Football Association's Sir Trevor Brooking has admitted he should have been honoured earlier: "Bobby's contribution to football and history has sadly only been recognised after his premature death." |
| In Moore's day the gulf between the FA and the players was a wide one, neatly illustrated by a story he told his close friend, the BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce. | In Moore's day the gulf between the FA and the players was a wide one, neatly illustrated by a story he told his close friend, the BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce. |
| He made footballers around him and everyone he met feel special Jonathan Pearce Moore was in Czechoslovakia in 1963, captaining England for the first time, when the heat of the hotel drove him to sleep outside on a park bench. When some FA officials walked through the park in the morning, they failed to recognise the England captain and asked the police to move the "vagrant" on. | He made footballers around him and everyone he met feel special Jonathan Pearce Moore was in Czechoslovakia in 1963, captaining England for the first time, when the heat of the hotel drove him to sleep outside on a park bench. When some FA officials walked through the park in the morning, they failed to recognise the England captain and asked the police to move the "vagrant" on. |
| Unlikely to happen nowadays, says Pearce dryly. He thinks Moore should have been given a figurehead role to use his charisma to promote the game internationally, or as a junior coach. | Unlikely to happen nowadays, says Pearce dryly. He thinks Moore should have been given a figurehead role to use his charisma to promote the game internationally, or as a junior coach. |
| "He had a common touch and treated princes and paupers exactly the same. When we were travelling on trains and everyone wanted to talk to him about football, he didn't mind. He made footballers around him and everyone he met feel special. He was interested in everyone and everything they had to say." | "He had a common touch and treated princes and paupers exactly the same. When we were travelling on trains and everyone wanted to talk to him about football, he didn't mind. He made footballers around him and everyone he met feel special. He was interested in everyone and everything they had to say." |
| Moore and Mullery, centre, at FulhamHe was neglected, Pearce believes, because the establishment was suspicious about his friendships with shady businessmen and there were lingering doubts about his arrest for allegedly stealing a bracelet in Colombia in 1970. That accusation was later revealed to be groundless. | Moore and Mullery, centre, at FulhamHe was neglected, Pearce believes, because the establishment was suspicious about his friendships with shady businessmen and there were lingering doubts about his arrest for allegedly stealing a bracelet in Colombia in 1970. That accusation was later revealed to be groundless. |
| There was also a resistance by English football to invoke the past glories of the 66 team because it was believed more success was around the corner. | There was also a resistance by English football to invoke the past glories of the 66 team because it was believed more success was around the corner. |
| His humility and stoicism have been recognised more since his death, says Pearce, and he was never bitter about the riches and adulation showered on the players that followed in his footsteps. | His humility and stoicism have been recognised more since his death, says Pearce, and he was never bitter about the riches and adulation showered on the players that followed in his footsteps. |
| "He was far too nice to be a football manager, too gentle. Only once did he ever criticise anyone within the game. He had this extraordinary humility and grace about him." | "He was far too nice to be a football manager, too gentle. Only once did he ever criticise anyone within the game. He had this extraordinary humility and grace about him." |
| I think there's a lot of guilt involved in our relationship with Bobby Moore Jim WhiteDaily Telegraph Such affection won't ever be felt for a footballer again because the sport has become more money-driven and there's a distance between the players and the fans, says Pearce. | I think there's a lot of guilt involved in our relationship with Bobby Moore Jim WhiteDaily Telegraph Such affection won't ever be felt for a footballer again because the sport has become more money-driven and there's a distance between the players and the fans, says Pearce. |
| Moore's widow Stephanie says he had been hugely popular with the public while he was alive, but the outpouring of grief surprised her. | Moore's widow Stephanie says he had been hugely popular with the public while he was alive, but the outpouring of grief surprised her. |
| "What was very supportive was that the entire nation mourned and it was only then that I realised what a legend he was. If he knew it he never let on. I'm warmed that people should feel so emotional about that. It shows how much they appreciated Bobby." | "What was very supportive was that the entire nation mourned and it was only then that I realised what a legend he was. If he knew it he never let on. I'm warmed that people should feel so emotional about that. It shows how much they appreciated Bobby." |
| She set up a bowel cancer charity in his memory and it has so far raised £9m, with two "Race for Moore" events coming up in the summer. | She set up a bowel cancer charity in his memory and it has so far raised £9m, with two "Race for Moore" events coming up in the summer. |
| Moore with first wife Tina and daughter Roberta, in November 1966She says that despite the media stories about him being neglected in retirement, they had a wonderful life together, although it was tragically cut short 14 years after they met. And he never expressed any regrets. | Moore with first wife Tina and daughter Roberta, in November 1966She says that despite the media stories about him being neglected in retirement, they had a wonderful life together, although it was tragically cut short 14 years after they met. And he never expressed any regrets. |
| "He didn't get the breaks he should have got, the opportunities a man of his stature should have had. | "He didn't get the breaks he should have got, the opportunities a man of his stature should have had. |
| "But he had a full life. I did ask him how he felt about it. He said that relative to the time the game had given him a very good standard of living. And he achieved things which men and boys would have given their right arms for." | "But he had a full life. I did ask him how he felt about it. He said that relative to the time the game had given him a very good standard of living. And he achieved things which men and boys would have given their right arms for." |
| The legend of Bobby Moore has grown with every failure of his successors in the national team, says Jim White of the Daily Telegraph. And his early death meant he never seemed to grow old, which adds to his allure. | The legend of Bobby Moore has grown with every failure of his successors in the national team, says Jim White of the Daily Telegraph. And his early death meant he never seemed to grow old, which adds to his allure. |
| Moore never mentioned his popularity, says second wife Stephanie"The 60s was a time of great forward-thinking. They were washing away the austerity and the grime of the 50s in culture, music and fashion. | |
| "Bobby Moore was an easy symbol for that. He was one of the figures of the 1960s, the easy way in which modernity was washing away the grit of the past. He looked handsome and elegant in that kit and he smiled modestly." | "Bobby Moore was an easy symbol for that. He was one of the figures of the 1960s, the easy way in which modernity was washing away the grit of the past. He looked handsome and elegant in that kit and he smiled modestly." |
| The fascination is also driven by regret that his talents were "scandalously squandered". | The fascination is also driven by regret that his talents were "scandalously squandered". |
| "I think there's a lot of guilt involved in our relationship with Bobby Moore," says White, "and a realisation that we should have treasured him at the time, so maybe we are compensating for that now." | "I think there's a lot of guilt involved in our relationship with Bobby Moore," says White, "and a realisation that we should have treasured him at the time, so maybe we are compensating for that now." |
Add your comments on this story, using the form below. | Add your comments on this story, using the form below. |
| I met Bobby Moore in the old Revolution club in Mayfair 1969. He was at the bar having a drink, came over said "Hello, haven't seen you in while" and we had a good shant. We met over the next few years in various water holes in London then I moved out of the UK. I had never known or met him previously and told him so but we had a few good cracks together. Jimmy, Prague | |
| I don't like football or the way we glorify the Bling Society. However I do believe that Bobby Moore was a great ambassador for this country and his modesty and dignity set him apart and streets ahead of the money-grabbing current players. Talent and grace - how proud we should all be of him. He should definitely be honoured. Glo, Bath | |
| I remember being in a restaurant in Cobham in the early 1990s when Bobby Moore and his wife came in. He asked for a table for two, but the restaurant was busy and the manager turned him away. He didn't make any fuss, they just left. The Italian manager asked the customers if it was Bobby Moore that he had just turned away. Realising what he had done he then chased outside to find him and offer him the last available table in the house. It was a funny moment and showed how unassuming Bobby Moore was and how he was still highly regarded even by people who weren't England supporters.Steve Wedge, Slough | I remember being in a restaurant in Cobham in the early 1990s when Bobby Moore and his wife came in. He asked for a table for two, but the restaurant was busy and the manager turned him away. He didn't make any fuss, they just left. The Italian manager asked the customers if it was Bobby Moore that he had just turned away. Realising what he had done he then chased outside to find him and offer him the last available table in the house. It was a funny moment and showed how unassuming Bobby Moore was and how he was still highly regarded even by people who weren't England supporters.Steve Wedge, Slough |
| Bobby Moore should be honoured by England the way we in Northern Ireland honoured George Best. I'm a supporter of all four home nations football teams and can't understand why our world class sporting heroes are not revered more publicly ie statues at grounds etc.Sam Lennon, Belfast | |
| His integrity married to his natural grace and skill as a defender make him my all time sporting hero. In 1966 the English FA made £22,000 available to Sir Alf Ramsey to reward his team for winning the World Cup. This was a lot of money in those days and the question of apportioning the windfall came up at one of Sir Alf's team meetings. He said: "I've decided to give each one of you £500 & then split the balance pro-rata based on number of appearances during the tournament." The blond, quietly spoken talisman interjected. "Boss. There are 22 players in the squad. We should all have £1000." A proud manager stood up in response and said, "Bobby, I knew you'd say that." Now that's 'leadership behaviour'. Come on England!Rob, Coventry, UK | |
| Bobby Moore is and will always be my childhood hero. He is the reason I have supported West Ham Utd for nearly 40 years He was understated in his manner, but invoked pride in those around him. If ever there was a case for the posthumous knighthood he is the number one candidate. Niall Squire, Cobham, UK | Bobby Moore is and will always be my childhood hero. He is the reason I have supported West Ham Utd for nearly 40 years He was understated in his manner, but invoked pride in those around him. If ever there was a case for the posthumous knighthood he is the number one candidate. Niall Squire, Cobham, UK |
| Looking back to better days is very common, especially when things are bad. Look at the dreadful state of English football - all those overpaid men who cannot even do what they are paid to do. They are not brain surgeons, they kick a ball around a field for goodness sake, for a couple of hours a week, nothing more. All they seem to be interested in is their lifestyle. You wouldn't mind if they were good at their job.Susan O'Neill, London | Looking back to better days is very common, especially when things are bad. Look at the dreadful state of English football - all those overpaid men who cannot even do what they are paid to do. They are not brain surgeons, they kick a ball around a field for goodness sake, for a couple of hours a week, nothing more. All they seem to be interested in is their lifestyle. You wouldn't mind if they were good at their job.Susan O'Neill, London |
| My favourite player of all time. How we wished he had been born north of the border! I have seen every great player and maybe one, and only one, may have been as good as Bobby Moore.Dave Mitchell, Dundee, Scotland | My favourite player of all time. How we wished he had been born north of the border! I have seen every great player and maybe one, and only one, may have been as good as Bobby Moore.Dave Mitchell, Dundee, Scotland |
| We shower shady and dubious politicians with honours and other awards like tainted confetti. Yet Bobby Moore, who so richly deserved a knighthood for his footballing achievements, never received one. Something stinks with the honours system in this country and Moore's omission clearly shows why. Shaun Crowther, Barnoldswick, UK | We shower shady and dubious politicians with honours and other awards like tainted confetti. Yet Bobby Moore, who so richly deserved a knighthood for his footballing achievements, never received one. Something stinks with the honours system in this country and Moore's omission clearly shows why. Shaun Crowther, Barnoldswick, UK |
| Bobby Moore is remembered because he reminds us of how we should behave, a great player and person, George Best was a wonderful talent, but wasted. Bobby Moore represented England with aplomb in victory and defeat, this is why he will be a role model that can carry on through generations. Tony, Milan | Bobby Moore is remembered because he reminds us of how we should behave, a great player and person, George Best was a wonderful talent, but wasted. Bobby Moore represented England with aplomb in victory and defeat, this is why he will be a role model that can carry on through generations. Tony, Milan |
| I am a West Ham fan but also an England fan and cannot agree more with the final comments of Jim White. We need to start to always value the talents and successes of players at club and country level as the years pass by, because it is this history that pulls in the next generation and makes them understand the importance of the game, their clubs and the England team.Tony Gray, | I am a West Ham fan but also an England fan and cannot agree more with the final comments of Jim White. We need to start to always value the talents and successes of players at club and country level as the years pass by, because it is this history that pulls in the next generation and makes them understand the importance of the game, their clubs and the England team.Tony Gray, |
| My late father was a Hammers fan through and through. As an Englishman, He was very proud that it was a Hammer who collected the World Cup. The way Mooro lived was instilled into me as a kid and you cannot fail to be impressed by the man. Yes, he should have been knighted, but perhaps it's better that he wasn't, as far too many "nobodys" get gongs these days for doing nothing.Andie Riley, Leeds, England | My late father was a Hammers fan through and through. As an Englishman, He was very proud that it was a Hammer who collected the World Cup. The way Mooro lived was instilled into me as a kid and you cannot fail to be impressed by the man. Yes, he should have been knighted, but perhaps it's better that he wasn't, as far too many "nobodys" get gongs these days for doing nothing.Andie Riley, Leeds, England |
| Knighthoods are 10 a penny. Sir Geoff Hurst!!! You must be joking. It will be Sir David Beckham next, what about Sir Bobby Moore. One of the greatest players and ambassadors to ever play the game and he is not honoured, an absolute disgrace.Richard King, Leicester England | Knighthoods are 10 a penny. Sir Geoff Hurst!!! You must be joking. It will be Sir David Beckham next, what about Sir Bobby Moore. One of the greatest players and ambassadors to ever play the game and he is not honoured, an absolute disgrace.Richard King, Leicester England |