Memories of Martin Peters in Sheffield

I remember Martin Peters, whose death was announced at the weekend, as the caring dad who used to pick his son up from Hallam Middle School in the early 1980s, and would watch quietly from the touchlines, while his boy played football on a Sunday mornings.

Back in 1981, I was in the same school year as the then 11-year-old Grant Peters, at Hallam. Grant was Martin’s son.

While top players may send their youngsters to expensive private schools these days, Martin had sent Grant to the local state school.

Grant stood out for his southern accent, but was well liked by the other pupils. I think he took his dad’s footballing success in his stride, and did not make it out to be a big deal. On the bus taking the year group to Glossop Road baths I once asked him what a world cup winners medal looked like. “The same as any other medal,” said Grant’s understated reply.

I remember seeing Martin parked outside the school waiting for his son, looking stylish in a pair of aviator sunglasses. He was not driving anything swish. It was just a normal family saloon, possible a Ford, but nearly 40 years blurs that detail.

Grant, like his dad, enjoyed football, and like myself joined the local junior team, Hallam Rangers. Unsurprisingly given his lineage, he was a decent player, but it was inspiring for the rest of the team to see his dad on next to the pitches, at Hallan School on Redmires Road, every week.

He did not make a big deal out of his presence – he was just there to watch his boy.

It is sad that football has lost one of its 1966 legends. But not as sad as former Sheffield school pupil Grant losing his dad, and my thoughts are with him.