Martin Peters was born on November 8, 1943, in Plaistow, England. After leaving school in 1959 he signed apprentice forms with West Ham United, and made his first team debut three years later in a 4-1 home win against Cardiff City.
He established himself as a regular in the Hammers side during the 1964/65 season, and helped the club win the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup at Wembley with a terrific victory over 1860 Munich.
Shortly before the 1966 World Cup Finals, Sir Alf Ramsey gave Peters his England debut in a friendly against Yugoslavia at Wembley, and he was outstanding in a 2-0 success.
Winning only his eighth cap Peters scored England’s second goal with a half-volley against Germany in the 1966 World Cup Final. A match the hosts won 4-2 after extra-time, of course.
Known as a goal hungry midfielder with a knack of ghosting into the box, Peters scored 24 goals in 48 matches during the 1968/69 campaign.
At Spurs, the 1966 hero won two League Cup winners’ medals in 1971 and 1973, as well as a UEFA Cup winner’s medal in 1972.
His last appearance for England was against Scotland in 1974, and he departed the international scene with an impressive record of 20 goals from 67 caps.
Peters enjoyed a 22-year professional career, playing for West Ham, Tottenham, Norwich City and Sheffield United. He retired in 1981 having scored 175 goals in 724 appearances.
