West Ham legend Boyce dies, aged 82

West Ham legend Ronnie Boyce has passed away at the age of 82.

The midfielder spent his entire career with the Hammers, making 341 appearances for the club between 1959 and 1972.

He was part of West Ham's best team in the 1960s alongside World Cup winners Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst and scored the winner in the FA Cup final in 1964.

In a statemen, externalt, the club paid tribute to Boyce, who was known as 'Ticker' during his playing days.

"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.

"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."