Alan Curbishley has spoken of his memories of Bobby Moore as West Ham United mark 15 years this weekend since the club legend passed away.
"We are obviously going to try and honour him as much as we can," said Curbishley before adding that his players would all wear black armbands at Fulham to respect the memory of a man who was capped 108 times by England and lifted the 1966 World Cup. "It is quite right for someone of his stature to be remembered. I am sure he will get the response that he should get on Saturday."
The manager recalled his first introduction to Moore coming when Ron Greenwood invited him as a promising teenager to join in pre-season training during the summer months. "That was a fantastic memory for me," Curbishley said, adding with a smile that he particularly remembered training in later years out in the Essex countryside. "I soon became aware he know most parts of Epping Forest - he knew a short-cut or two as we were running around."
West Ham United captain Lucas Neill has been particularly keen to ensure the squad are aware of the importance of this weekend's anniversary. The right-back will lead the team out at Craven Cottage, fittingly the club where Moore moved upon leaving the Boleyn Ground in 1974, and is personally mindful of the responsibility of wearing the West Ham United armband. "Even now it makes me tingle," he said.
"It is a great honour and you mention Bobby Moore and to put your name on a list with great names such as that is truly remarkable. I don't see it as an achievement - I see it as a privilege or an honour. It surprises me when I am leading out a talented squad in a big club. It is very humbling and very rewarding."
England defender Matthew Upson is also a proud man, having had the privilege this season of wearing the No6 shirt that Moore made his own during his illustrious career. "It's a big honour," he said. "Sometimes I do sit at home and think about it and I get a little buzz because it's a big honour. I didn't actually specifically ask for it. I was given it and it's a real honour to wear that shirt."