Fifteen years ago, on 24 February 1993, football fans in England and across the world united to mourn the tragic death of Bobby Moore at the age of just 51.
Instinctively, thousands of them made their way to the Boleyn Ground to pay their respects and leave claret and blue tributes ranging from shirts and scarves to flags and flowers. It was not just West Ham United fans either. Rightly regarded as one of the all-time greats, Moore stood for everything that was right about the game and his passing compelled supporters of other clubs to offer condolences.
In his remarkable career, the legendary Barking-born defender served West Ham United to distinction between 1958 and 1974 before a three-year stint with Fulham. Moore helped the east London club to FA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup glory as well as winning 108 England caps and lifting the World Cup trophy in the 1966 final at Wembley. That led to Royal recognition with his OBE in 1967.
His achievements will never be forgotten. Indeed, visitors to the Boleyn Ground cannot miss the Bobby Moore Stand built in 1993 which serves as permanent recognition. Then there is the blue plaque in his honour outside and the statue on the corner of Green Street. Much more than all of those things, however, is the unseen legacy in the heart of every fan - that unstinting expectation of football played the right way by those who understand what it means to wear the shirt.
Moore's name also lives on with the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research, set up by his widow Stephanie to raise money in his memory. The bowel cancer that claimed his life is the third most common type of the disease in the UK after breast and lung cancer. Around 100 people in this country are diagnosed every day. The Bobby Moore Fund is one of West Ham United's two chosen charities this season.
Bobby Moore was the essence of West Ham United. A local boy made good who walked with the best on a global stage but always in a down to earth manner that never belied his roots. His is the standard by which all others are judged.
Bobby Moore - 12 April 1941 - 24 February 1993