In 1983, one of the world’s greatest soccer legends joined the Carolina Lightnin’ as assistant coach. Due to a rash of injuries on the backline, Moore also took the field as a Lighnin’ player for several matches that year.  As a result, the Carolina Lightnin’ is the last team on which Bobby Moore played.

 

Ten years the captain of England’s national team, Moore’s defensive skills and solid consistency brought respect from each opponent. His defensive skills and solid consistency brought respect from each opponent. Not the least of those was Pele, who called Moore the world’s best defender following the 1970 World Cup competition. That 1970 World Cup was Bobby’s third. Four years earlier, he led England to the World Cup championship, and was voted the outstanding player in the tournament. As a result of that effort. Moore was awarded the Order of the British Empire In 1967. Moore’s professional career began at age 17. with West Ham United (In East London). Four years after turning pro, Moore made his 1962 International debut In the World Cup against Peru. The next season. he became England’s youngest captain at age 22. Moore retired from West Ham with 108 appearances, a record which stood until 1978. He played for five more years. one of them on loan to the NASL San Antonio Thunder. Prior to the Lightnin’, Moore’s final active participation came In Denmark in 1978. “Bobby was one of the greatest to ever play the game,” said Lightnin’ Head Coach Rodney Marsh. “Our young American players benefited greatly from his comprehensive international experience, as he was a major asset working with both technique and tactics. A true professional and a gentleman as well.”