They Played with Bobby Moore - the West Ham Years

Bobby Moore’s legendary status in West Ham United history is equalled only by the profound respect he inspired from the 89 Hammers who played with him between 1958 and 1974. “They Played with Bobby Moore: The West Ham Years” by Tim Crane offers an exclusive window into a golden era of English football, capturing not only Moore’s legacy as World Cup-winning captain but the camaraderie and collective pride of his team-mates. Through detailed interviews, evocative anecdotes, and never-before-seen photographs, readers are transported to a time when Upton Park roared with the hopes and dreams of both players and fans, shaping the culture of the club for generations.
Central to the book’s appeal is its focus on first-hand testimonies from Moore’s fellow players. Icons like Martin Peters, Peter Brabrook, Eddie Bovington, Ken Brown and Kevin Lock share personal recollections from the heart of West Ham’s dressing room, revealing how Moore’s leadership both inspired and united his squad. These stories allow readers to appreciate what it really meant to don the claret and blue, offering football fans rare insights into the rituals, rivalries, and memorable matches that defined the era.
The updated edition, spurred by avid fan demand and enriched by a substantial visual overhaul, introduces 500 new photographs unearthed from the private collections of the Hammers themselves. This unprecedented visual archive brings to life unforgettable moments — from hard-fought derbies to cup triumphs — immortalising the camaraderie and sporting spirit that made West Ham’s teams so beloved by fans and feared by rivals. The emotional resonance is especially felt as the book pays tribute to those players who have since passed away, preserving their memory for posterity.
“They Played with Bobby Moore” is far more than a collection of football memoirs; it’s a preservation of sporting heritage, ensuring that the contribution of Bobby Moore and his team-mates endures for current and future supporters of West Ham United and English football as a whole. With every turn of the page, readers reconnect with a pivotal era in football history, while the enduring appeal of Moore, Peters, and their contemporaries continues to inspire players and fans alike.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Published: November 1, 2021
Price: £29.99
Hardback: 288 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0993028632
Dimensions: 246 x 189 (mm)