SOUTHEND’S Paul Heffer has dedicated his life to the sport he loves and after 50 years of rubbing shoulders with some of the game’s very best, he is stepping away to finally enjoy his retirement. 

After joining West Ham at 16, Paul played alongside the likes of England legend Bobby Moore and Harry Redknapp, before turning his attention to a coaching career that saw him help develop some of the biggest names of the next generation. 

The 76-year-old has brought down the curtain on his coaching career this month after 35 years at West Ham, along with a stint at Southend United. 

Echo: Legendary: West Ham team featuring Paul Heffer, Harry Redknapp and Bobby Moore. (Pictures: Paul Heffer)Legendary: West Ham team featuring Paul Heffer, Harry Redknapp and Bobby Moore. (Pictures: Paul Heffer) (Image: Paul Heffer)

 

Speaking about his retirement, Paul said he “felt the time was right” to step away from the game. 

He said: “I am getting older now and I want to spend more time with my wife. We haven’t really travelled much, so I think we’re going to do that and explore parts of the country we haven’t seen yet. Maybe do a bit of gardening as well.”

When he joined the Hammers, Paul was part of a star-studded youth team featuring Frank Lampard Senior, Trevor Brooking and Redknapp.

He eventually made his first-team debut in 1967, where he played alongside World Cup-winning England captain Moore.

However, his career was cut short due to injury and he was forced to retire just five years later.

 

Echo: Legendary: Paul with West Ham legend, Mark Noble. (Pictures: Paul Heffer)Legendary: Paul with West Ham legend, Mark Noble. (Pictures: Paul Heffer) (Image: Paul Heffer)

 

Paul said: “Getting injured as a player early on was tough. It was disappointing not to be able to fulfil my potential.”

However, a few years later, Paul was contacted by his former teammate Moore, who was then manager of Southend United. 

Paul said: “I owe everything to Bobby Moore. He reintroduced me to football and helped me start my career again.”

Paul went on to play a big part in The Blues success as he worked with David Webb to earn the club back-to-back promotions in 1990 and 1991.

Echo: Legendary: Paul with former West Ham captain, Declan Rice. (Pictures: Paul Heffer)Legendary: Paul with former West Ham captain, Declan Rice. (Pictures: Paul Heffer) (Image: Paul Heffer)

 

He was then recruited by Tony Carr who brought him back to West Ham where he spent the remainder of his career. 

The list of players developed by Paul includes Rio Ferdinand, Mark Noble, Frank Lampard and one of England’s newest stars – Declan Rice.  

Paul played a crucial role in bringing Rice to West Ham after he was released by Chelsea’s academy at 14.

He said: “I am extremely proud of bringing through these brilliant players who have gone on to play for England. I am proud that I was able to spot the good things about players regardless of their physical stature and other limitations.”