West Ham United legend Ronnie 'Ticker' Boyce has died at the age of 82.
A one-club man, Boyce dedicated his entire playing career to West Ham United, leaving an indelible mark on its history. Known for his intelligence on the pitch, leadership qualities, and commitment to the team, which earned him his nickname 'Ticker', Boyce is best remembered for scoring the winning goal in the 1964 FA Cup final, a moment that secured his legacy as one of West Ham’s greatest-ever players.Born in East Ham on 6 January 1943, Boyce grew up in an era when local talent often found its way into the ranks of the club they supported as children. His footballing journey began in the youth system at West Ham United, along with the likes of Eddie Bovington and Jack Burkett, where he showcased remarkable ability as a midfielder. His vision, passing range, and ability to read the game set him apart, and it wasn’t long before he caught the eye of the senior team’s management.
Boyce made his first-team debut for the Hammers on 22 October 22 1960 against Preston North End. At just 17 years old, he immediately displayed maturity beyond his years, impressing fans and coaches alike. Over time, he became a crucial component of Ron Greenwood’s team, operating what would be referred to now as a 'deep-lying playmaker' who could dictate the tempo of the game while also contributing with vital goals.
However the defining moment of Boyce’s playing career came on 2 May 1964, when West Ham faced Preston North End in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium. With the game delicately poised at 2-2 and heading towards extra time, Boyce - who had scored twice in the semi final against hot favourites Manchester United - emerged as the hero as, in the final minute, he latched onto a Peter Brabrook cross and headed the ball past Preston’s goalkeeper, securing a dramatic 3-2 victory for the Hammers.
That goal remains one of the most iconic moments in West Ham’s history, as it delivered the club’s first-ever major trophy. Boyce’s performances throughout the 1963/64 FA Cup run were outstanding and he played a pivotal role in guiding the team to Wembley. His leadership and composure under pressure earned him widespread admiration, solidifying his place in the club’s folklore.
Following the FA Cup triumph, West Ham United qualified for the European Cup Winners’ Cup the following (1964-65) season. The team, inspired by Boyce and other key club figures like Bobby Moore and Martin Peters, enjoyed a memorable campaign that culminated in another famous Wembley victory with the Hammers defeating crack German outfit 1860 Munich 2-0 in the final, winning their first European trophy courtesy of an Alan Sealey brace.
But it was Boyce’s influence in midfield was instrumental throughout the final and tournament, as he combined defensive discipline with creative passing, allowing the likes of Moore, Hurst, and Peters to flourish. His ability to control the pace of the game was crucial in West Ham’s continental success, proving that he was not just a domestic hero but a player of international calibre.
Boyce continued to be a mainstay in the West Ham midfield throughout the 1960s and into the early 1970s. Despite struggling with injuries at times, his consistency and dedication never wavered. In total, he made 341 league appearances for the club, scoring 29 goals. His leadership on the field and deep understanding of the game made him a respected figure among teammates and opponents alike.
In 1972, Boyce decided to retire from professional football at the relatively young age of 29. However, his association with West Ham did not end there. He transitioned into coaching, joining the backroom staff and playing a key role in the development of future generations of Hammers players. His knowledge of the game and close ties to the club made him an invaluable mentor to young talents rising through the ranks.
Ronnie Boyce’s contributions to West Ham United go far beyond his playing career. As a youth coach, caretaker manager (for one match in 1990 following the dismissal of John Lyall) and later as a scout, he continued to serve the club with unwavering loyalty. His ability to identify and nurture talent helped shape the careers of numerous players who would go on to represent West Ham at the highest level.
Like another Hammers legend, Billy Bonds, Boyce - criminally, some would say - was never granted the opportunity to win a full England cap. Still, 'Ticker' embodied the values that the club holds dear - hard work, dedication, and a deep connection to its supporters. He remains one of West Ham’s most beloved figures, a true club legend whose influence extends across multiple generations.
Even in an era when players spending their entire careers at one club was not uncommon, Boyce stands out as a symbol of loyalty and devotion. His entire career was dedicated to West Ham United and his impact on the club is immeasurable. From his iconic FA Cup-winning goal to his instrumental role in European success, Boyce’s contributions to the Hammers will never be forgotten.
Whether as a midfield maestro, a coach, a caretaker manager or a mentor, Ronnie 'Ticker' Boyce’s name will forever remain etched in the history of West Ham United.
Memories of 'Ticker' from KUMB Forum members
"I chose my username in honour of Ronnie. I have fond memories of watching him play many times. He was never flamboyant, but nor was he underrated on the terraces, a fans' favourite who kept the midfield ticking over, hence the nickname. Not a prolific goalscorer, but he certainly chose his moments - the last-minute winner in the 1964 FA Cup final, not to mention his two goals when we beat Manchester United in the preceding semi-final in the mud of Hillsborough. Those of us around in the sixties will put him right up there with Moore, Hurst and Peters. A true Hammer, rest in peace, Ticker."
- Ticker Boyce
"I was fortunate enough to meet Ronnie when I was 11 having been 'poached' by County Park FC. Ronnie never stood with the other parents, always kept himself to himself but at the end of the game he'd always have time to tell me what I did well in a game and what I could do to improve. At the start of the 75/76 season, we turned up for training and Ronnie had managed to borrow the FA Cup and we all got individual photos taken with the trophy. I also recall Ronnie taking Gary and me to a reserve game at Upton Park. During a pre-season tournament in Germany in the early 80s, my mate and I decided to go to the ground before the game on the Sunday to get some pictures of the players. Ronnie saw us and called us down to the team bus where we were allowed to carry one of the kit baskets into the dressing room. A few years after I was involved in some fundraising activity at work, we were doing a sports auction so I popped along to Chadwell Heath and asked Ronnie if I supplied a shirt, could he get the players to sign it. He said not to worry about supplying the shirt and to come back the following week which I did and was given a fully signed shirt. Ronnie was not only a great player but he was the most wonderful human being. RIP Ticker."
- CRFC Hammer
"Back in the summer of 1990, I broke my ankle. My brother and my mate thought we would go and watch West Ham in a pre-season friendly. It was a lovely sunny day and I was sitting on the terracing step watching the game not far from the dugout, when someone shouted to me to come over. I shuffled my way over on my crutches and noticed it was Ronnie Boyce. "Come and sit over here, son" he said, pointing to the bench. I sat there in awe with Harry Redknapp and the rest of the coaching staff shouting their heads off. My West Ham claim to fame, I will never forget that. Thanks Ronnie for making my day, week, year, life. RIP."
- Tezza65
"Five months before my Dad took me to Upton Park for my first ever game, 'Ticker' had a testimonial versus Manchester United. A workmate of my Dad was a North Bank regular and kindly picked up a programme for me and even though I wasn’t there on the night, that programme over the years came to mean a lot to me. I remember Boyce just always being there during Greenwood, Lyall and Bonds’ tenures as manager. His death really is sad news to hear. A local lad who played 341 games and played and scored the winning goal in the 1964 Cup Final win and then played in the ECWC Final 12 months later, not a bad CV. RIP, Ticker."
- Chicken Run Supreme
"Our house was opposite the Boyce family grocery shop in East Ham. WT Boyce, if I remember correctly. My mum and dad got on well with the Boyces. One day I came home from school and Ronnie and Geoff Hurst were having a cup of team in the front room with my parents! I was too stunned to speak. I think that Ronnie was instrumental in getting us tickets for the Preston final. RIP."
- Westhamfan
"Born in East Ham, played for West Ham schoolboys, debut in a Cup win over Millwall, scored two in the FA Cup semi final win over Man Utd, scored the winner in the final over Preston, was in the Cup Winners Cup winning side a year later and ended his career with 341 appearances all with West Ham. Can't really write a better script for a local lad. RIP Ronnie."
- WCpete
"A great player who lived up to his nickname, he just kept everything simple and was such an important player for the team. Loved watching him play and was part of the team I watched when I started going. RIP Ticker."
- Oldun
"He really was the glue that made our World Cup heroes sing. Like many of a certain age, our memories are often of highlights, and somehow Ronnie appears in most of them. A good man playing sport in the right way, as competitively as he could. Condolences to his family and old teammates. RIP."
- Bond Holder 59
"A true legend of the club. Lived every boy's dream - play for your local club, score the winning goal in the last minute of an FA Cup final (the club’s first) and win the first European trophy and become a legend. RIP."
- Larrakeyah Hammer
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