Peter Bonetti: former Worthing captain pays tribute to sporting legend

A Worthing man who captained Peter Bonetti when the sporting legend was just 12 has paid tribute to him.
St. Mary's RC football team during the 1953-54 seasonSt. Mary's RC football team during the 1953-54 season
St. Mary's RC football team during the 1953-54 season

David Nicholls - whose wife Caroline was High Sheriff of West Sussex two years ago - recalled when he was captain of St. Mary's RC football team, in Worthing, way back in the 1953-54 season.

"The youngest player in my team was the goal keeper, 12 year old Peter Bonetti, pictured front row centre, who showed his skills as a keeper at such a young age, to win his place in the school team.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"He was at least two years younger than the rest of the team. In the picture I am top left

"Peter, known as THE CAT, went on to play for several clubs, but became famous as the Chelsea number one keeper. Peter was in the 1966 World Cup winning squad and was the England goal keeper when they lost 3-2 in the quarter final to West Germany in 1970."

Peter, who died yesterday (April 12) aged 78, was an English footballer, goalkeeper for Chelsea, the St. Louis Stars, Dundee United and England.

Related topics: