Heroes of 1966 bid farewell to the voice of football

Members of England's winning World Cup team of 1966 were among mourners yesterday at the funeral of the former BBC football commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme.

George Cohen and Martin Peters paid their respects to the man who commentated on English football's greatest day and uttered the unforgettable phrase: "They think it's all over ... it is now" when Geoff Hurst scored the final goal in the 4-2 victory over West Germany.

The ex-footballers were also joined at the ceremony in Leatherhead, Surrey, by commentator David Coleman and the former England international Trevor Brooking.

There was standing room only in the small chapel where the Reverend Michael Whelton took the service. "The final whistle has blown on his life and he now has his eternal rest," Mr Whelton said.

"On the other hand we can be thankful for his good and long life and we can celebrate the contribution he has made and the wonderful memories he leaves behind."

Song writer and music publisher Bill Martin, who was a friend of 42 years, told the service how Mr Wolstenholme, who died aged 81, used to call the 1966 team "his boys". He said he would always be remembered for his famous World Cup final phrase.

"That phrase of '66 was one of many he said. But his happiest moment was when it was used out of context at the thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey for the England captain Bobby Moore, he was very touched and proud to be associated with his boys."

After the service, Mr Cohen said he was always the life and soul of the party. "We were always happy to see him. He was one of the guys as far as we were concerned. Although he was older you never thought of him in any way as an old man."

Wolstenholme was brought up in Salford, Greater Manchester, and went on to commentate on 23 FA Cup finals and five World Cups.