Geoff Hurst, the last surviving member of England’s 1966 World Cup‑winning eleven, recalled his former West Ham captain Bobby Moore ahead of the upcoming tournament. Hurst, now 84, said Moore never received the respect, coaching opportunities or honours that his peers enjoyed, and he hopes current captain Harry Kane avoids a similar fate.
Moore’s post‑playing career left him “un‑treated” by the FA and West Ham
According to the Daily Mail Sport interview, Hurst argued that Moore struggled to secure any significant coaching role after retirement,despite captaining England to glory. The former defender was passed over for managerial jobs, including a reported Watford offer that allegedly went to Graham Taylor three weeks later. Hurst also noted that, unlike teammates Bobby Charlton and himself, Moore never received a knighthood, prompting a posthumous campaign by the Daily Mail last year .
Hurst contrasts Moore’s humility with today’s “noisy” players
Hurst praised Moore’s calm demeanor, saying he never lost his temper in over 500 games together. he contrasted that with the frequent scuffles and on‑field drama seen in modern football, suggesting that Moore’s character set a standard that current stars often ignore. "He wasn’t very noisy, very loud, very flash," Hurst told the paper, underscoring the lasting impression of Moore’s modesty.
Harry Kane’s potential World Cup triumph could rewrite the narrative
Hurst sees a parallel between Moore and England captain Harry Kane, who could become the first English player since 1966 to lift the trophy. He told the Daily Mail that a World Cup win would instantly cement Kane’s legacy, giving him the “levity” Moore never received.. Hurst hopes the spotlight will finally bring the reverence Moore deserved.
Unanswered question: Will the FA ever award Moore a posthumous knighthood?
The interview leaves open whether the Football Association will act on the recent campaign to honour Moore with a knighthood.. No official response has been reported, and the FA’s stance remains unclear.
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