Ronnie Boyce dead aged 82: West Ham lead tributes to cup-winning hero who played with Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst
WEST HAM legend Ronnie Boyce has sadly passed away aged 82.
The icon scored the winner in the FA Cup final in 1964 and then helped them win the European Cup Winners' Cup a year later.
Boyce was also a member of the coaching staff when the Hammers lifted the FA Cup in 1975 and 1980 - before taking charge of one game as caretaker manager in 1990.
His family penned a touching tribute, which : “We are so very sad to confirm that our beloved husband, father and grandfather Ronnie passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon.
“He fought illness in recent years with typical courage, bravery and no fuss, and with such strength.
"His nickname of ‘Ticker’, as the strong heartbeat of West Ham’s team in the 1960s, could not have been more appropriate.
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“He was a Hammer all of his life, from growing up in East Ham to representing the Club as a player and coach across 34 years of dedicated service, and always had time for the fans and people who gave him so much support throughout his time in football.
“He never boasted about his wonderful playing career or achievements.
"But he was so proud of the fact that he scored the winning goal in West Ham United’s first-ever FA Cup victory, and his love of the Club and the supporters meant so much to him.
“As a family, we were even prouder of the love, support and dedication he gave us all, and of the quiet, honest, decent man that he was. We will miss him greatly and he will never be forgotten.”
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The Hammers added: "The thoughts and condolences of everyone at West Ham United are with Ronnie’s wife Dawn, his sons Gary and Tony, daughter-in-laws Ewa and Sarah, grandsons Ross, Ben, Jack, Elliott and Tom, and all of his family and friends at this sad and difficult time.
"Further tributes to Ronnie will appear across Club channels in the coming days and at London Stadium on Saturday ahead of our Premier League fixture against Brentford."
Devastated fans wrote online: "RIP. A genuine West Ham legend."
Another commented: "Sleep tight, Ticker. A fine footballer and a wonderful gentleman."
Boyce played alongside World Cup winners Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters at Upton Park.
He was handed a lifetime achievement award by West Ham in 2019.