Following this week’s launch of Tim Crane’s new book: They Played with Bobby Moore – The West Ham Years, I caught up with him to discuss the extraordinary journey of tracking down and interviewing the 89 Hammers who played first team football with Bobby Moore…
ID: What was your inspiration for the book?
TC: Well, since 2002 I have been working on the EX Hammers magazine which tracks down former players for interview. It was during one such interview with a former West Ham left winger named Joe Durrell that the idea for the book was hatched. When sharing the news with Joe that he was one of only 89 Hammers to have played in the first team with Bobby Moore, the impact was overwhelming. The flow of Bobby Moore stories this engendered stimulated the thought process for the book. What other stories were out there that hadn’t been recorded type of thing…
ID: You say ‘only 89 Hammers’ but how did you find them all?
TC: It has been quite a journey which has straddled four continents but I managed to find them all in the end. I was also warmly welcomed by the families of the 26 deceased Hammers from the Bobby Moore era at West Ham. In fact everyone has been so very generous with their time, stories and photos.
ID: Who proved the most difficult to find?
TC: Both Tony Scott and John McDowell were particularly elusive but I eventually located Scotty in Perth, Australia and McDowell had recently returned to these shores from Tenerife.
ID: Which stories about Bobby particularly spring to mind?
TC: There were stories that were so very rich in humour such as those from Harry Redknapp, Bobby Ferguson, Brian Dear, Pop Robson and Bertie Lutton as well as very moving memories from Lawrie Leslie, Martin Britt, Bobby Howe, Peter Eustace and Ted MacDougall.
ID: Is it possible to pick a favourite story?
TC: With 89 players it is difficult but I would place Bobby Moore’s encounter with Frank Sinatra as told by Harry Redknapp amongst my favourites.
ID: Which players shared a particularly close friendship with Bobby?
TC: From his youth team days Bobby was good mates with Tony Scott, Eddie Bovington and Joe Kirkup and when he became established in the first team, Trevor Dawkins, Brian Dear, Alan Sealey, Budgie Byrne, Peter Brabrook, John Charles, Frank Lampard, Harry Redknapp, Bobby Ferguson, John Cushley, Jimmy Lindsay and Jimmy Greaves all clearly spent a lot of time with the great man.
ID: Which Hammers impressed you?
TC: The vast majority carry West Ham in their heart. Players with just a handful of first team games with Bobby such as Keith Miller, Eddie Presland, Roger Cross, Dave Llewlyn, all shared fantastic stories from their time at the club. They have all kept mementos, scrapbooks and photos from their experience.
ID: You must have unearthed some great photos?
TC: Absolutely, I hadn’t seen over 50% of the photos and I have been interviewing West Ham players since 2002 so I don’t say that lightly. They are simply mesmerising and I am delighted to be able to showcase them in one book for West Ham fans. Apart from rare snaps taken at Grange Farm, Chadwell Heath and a whole multitude of action shots there are also super rare photos taken inside the dressing room. The players also shared holiday snaps as well as engagement and wedding photos.
ID: I noticed Sir Geoff Hurst wrote the foreword.
TC: Sir Geoff was brilliant. Nobody played more games with Bobby Moore than Geoff Hurst so it seemed fitting that he should write the foreword. The photo of Geoff holding the World Cup final programme outside the old gates at the Boleyn Ground is a particular favourite.
ID: Yes, those ‘then and now’ photos for each player will raise a few comments!
TC: It is important to me that West Ham fans are left in no doubt that I spent 18 months meeting and interviewing these players and that was a good way to show evidence of the research. I get frustrated when I read books that regurgitate old news. Hopefully the front and back covers alone will keep the reader occupied for some time.
ID: Will we learn anything new about Bobby?
TC: The book is brim full with anecdotes and emotion around the great man. The extent to which he gave his time and support to his playing colleagues both on and off the pitch throughout his lifetime is remarkable. Every landmark in his colossal career was witnessed by at least one of the 89 Hammers. He touched people in both small and large measure and the experience has lasted a lifetime. The stories bolster the man’s reputation immeasurably.
ID: Have you any other projects in the pipeline?
TC: Well, Bobby did play with 92 Lions for England and that is a tempting project. However, ‘They Played with…’ could apply to other players such as Billy Bonds or Paolo Di Canio. It would be interesting to read the thoughts and suggestions of your online community.
They Played with Bobby Moore – The West Ham Years is priced at £25 and can be ordered online via www.bobbymoore89.co.uk. Arrangements can also be made to deliver in person at any West Ham home game. Email Tim for details: tcrane183@gmail.com