West Ham United

West Ham United FC is a professional football club that was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks, with the players being strictly amateur and working for the company of the same name. Ironworks won the London League in 1897-98 and became members of the Southern League.

Within a couple of years the club reached the top level of the Southern League, changing their name to West Ham United in 1900 while playing their home games at the Memorial Ground in Plaistow until 1901, before moving to The Boleyn Ground, Upton Park, which was originally known as The Castle. 

'The Hammers' or 'Irons' as the club are nicknamed, were elected to the Football League for the 1919-20 season. The 1922-23 campaign saw West Ham hit the headlines as they were promoted as runners-up of Division Two as well as reaching the first ever FA Cup Final at Wembley, where they went down 2-0 to Bolton Wanderers in the infamous White Horse Final. 

In 1931-32 the Hammers were relegated nut returned to the top flight in 1957-58 as Division Two champions. It was around this era that the club began to develop a fantastic crop of local young players, with the famous "academy of football" label being applied to West Ham under manager Ted Fenton.

The side continued to develop under Ron Greenwood from 1962 with the likes of Ronnie Boyce, John Sissons, John Bond and Ken Brown being joined by young starlets Johnny Byrne, Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst. Having knocked out a fantastic Manchester United side out in the FA Cup semi-final of 1963-64, the Hammers went on to win the final 3-2 at Wembley against Preston North End, as the club lifted their first major honour. To see the highlights, click here

The statue of the World Cup heroes on Barking Road

A fantastic run in the European Cup Winners Cup the following season saw West Ham defeat AA Ghent, Sparta Prague, Lausanne and Real Zaragoza to reach the Wembley final against TSV 1860 Munich. Alan Sealey scored two goals as the game was won 2-0.

Moore, Peters and Hurst would famously return to Wembley the following year as England won the World Cup against West Germany. Remarkably Moore had lifted three different trophies at the famous stadium in three consecutive years.

A proud tongue in cheek boast from Hammers fans is that they won the World Cup in 1966 by providing England with three pivotal players!

West Ham continued to have a real bond with the local community despite their successes. The club continued to develop many of their own players with Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds being the big names of the 70's as the heroes of the 60's gradually moved on.

John Lyall took over as manager in 1974, leading United to their second FA Cup in 1975, when a 2-0 win through a brace of Alan Taylor goals saw off a Fulham side including Moore, who  had moved on following a fall out with the club.

Once again the Irons went on a fine European Cup Winners Cup run, defeating Reipas Lahti, Ararat Yerevan, Den Haag ADO and then Eintracht Frankfurt to reach the final at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels.

The Hammers went down 4-2 to an excellent RSC Anderlecht side of the time, who included future West Ham player Francois Van der Elst. To see some great Hammers football and true East End atmosphere, click here and here for semi-final action at Upton Park.

In 1977-78 West Ham were relegated to Division Two, but the team was rebuilt with Phil Parkes, Ray Stewart, Stuart Pearson and Alan Devonshire coming in to join youth products such as Geoff Pike and Paul Allen as United reached the 1980 FA Cup Final.

Despite being huge underdogs as a second tier side, the Hammers defeated Arsenal 1-0 with a rare Brooking header doing the damage, as the club lifted the trophy for a third time.

The following season West Ham returned to Wembley for the final of the League Cup against Liverpool. A last minute Stewart penalty took the game to a replay, where they went down 1-0 at Villa Park. The season ultimately ended in triumph as the second division title was lifted as top flight football returned to the Boleyn Ground.

A record third place finish in 1985-86 was as close as Lyall's side came to further glory thanks to the goals of Tony Cottee and Frank McAvennie, before he was dismissed in 1989 as the team were relegated once again. Lou Macari had a short reign as manager before he was replace by fans favourite Billy Bonds, who took the side back up in 1990-91.

A fine side including Ian Bishop and Trevor Morley entertained the crowds but couldn't save the side from another relegation at the end of the 1991-92 season. The club bounced back at the first attempt to take their place for the first time in the recently formed Premier League.

Bonds resigned in 1994 in controversy after the board looked to retain the services of his assistant Harry Redknapp, who took over as manager. In a famous ending to the 1994-95 season, West Ham secured their top flight safety on the final day of the season by drawing with Manchester United, while denying their opponents the league title.

Some of Redknapp's overseas signings did not work out, but he did well in the British market with the likes of John Hartson, Eyal Berkovic, Paul Kitson and Trevor Sinclair becoming favourites.

Upton Park under the lights

In the 1998-99 season Paulo Di Canio joined the club, turning out to be a tremendous signing. The academy was still providing quality youngsters as Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard jnr all made their mark.

Ferdinand was sold in 2000, and when Redknapp complained about the lack of reinvestment in the team through an interview in the fanzine 'Over Land and Sea' his position became untenable. His assistant Frank Lampard sr resigned and his son left for Chelsea the following season.

Glenn Roeder was appointed as the new manager in the summer of 2001. After a steady first season his side struggled in 2002-03. Injured stars returned as results improved, before Roeder fell ill and was replaced by Trevor Brooking for the final few games of the season. Unfortunately the team finished third from bottom of the table and were relegated.

Alan Pardew was appointed as the new manager as he built a workmanlike side. His team reached the play-off final in his first season at the helm, but they were denied promotion as the Irons were defeated 1-0 by Crystal Palace at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

However, West Ham weren't to be denied the following season as they returned to the same venue to defeat Preston North End 1-0 with a Bobby Zamora goal in the final of the play-off, as United returned to the Premier League.

The success continued in 2005-06 as West Ham reached the final of the FA Cup. In the showpiece at the Millennium Stadium, the Irons went 2-0 up against Liverpool with an own goal and Dean Ashton. Paul Konchesky gave United the lead once again after Liverpool had drawn level, but a stoppage time Steven Gerrard goal took the game to extra time. West Ham eventually lost the penalty shoot out 3-1.

Pardew moved on to be replaced by Alan Curbishley in November 2006 as the club was sold to an Icelandic consortium headed by Icelandic businessman Eggert Magnússon.

The club submitted plans for a new East Stand which would have taken the stadium capacity to 40,500, filling in the extra space created when the new West Stand was built further away from the pitch creating a wide gap between the fans and the pitch down the sides. 

Curbishley led the side to the great escape at the end of the 2006-07 season, but the run of games was shrouded in controversy. The legality of the signing of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano, whose contracts were allegedly held by a third party.

United won their final game 1-0 at Old Trafford against Manchester United to relegate Sheffield United, who went to court and were eventually awarded financial compensation from West Ham.

Rumours also suggested that West Ham considered a move to a new stadium located at the Parcelforce depot near to West Ham Underground/mainline station. On 7 November 2007 London Mayor, Ken Livingstone announced that a new site had been identified for West Ham to build a new stadium. However, Livingstone lost his post in the 2008 election and the recession kicked in soon after. 

Alan Curbishey resigned to be replaced by Gianfranco Zola with the former owners of Birmingham City, David Gold and David Sullivan taking over the club after a period of financial chaos following the banking collapse and administration looming. While their controversial methods were not universally popular with everyone, the clubs future was stabilised.

Zola was replaced by Avram Grant at the end of the 2009-10 season as the club announced plans to move to the Olympic Stadium at nearby Stratford after the games. This caused an outcry from the owners of Leyton Orient and Tottenham Hotspur, but The Hammers were given rights to the stadium after they guaranteed they would keep the athletics track once they had occupancy.

Fans were sceptical about leaving their beloved Upton Park home for a stadium with a 60,000 capacity and a running track around the pitch. Their mood was not enhanced when the club were relegated at the end of the season as Grant was replaced by Sam Allardyce. In his first season Allardyce led the side to promotion via a Wembley win in the Play Off Final against Blackpool.

Allardyce's side soon consolidated in the Premier League and slowly built, but the fans showed unrest throughout the 2013-14 season at the teams tactics and apparent lack of effort in the cup competitions. The board promised change.

Teddy Sheringham was appointed as an attacking coach in the summer of 2014 as several new signings were made. The Hammers immediately placated their support and played some fine entertaining football as big money signing Andy Carroll among others began to repay their fees.

Allardyce's contract was not renewed as the club owners looked for a new style of football in the clubs last season at Upton Park. Former defender and Croatia boss Slaven Bilić was the new incumbent of the managers seat.

Bilić arranged a fine attacking team to meet the fans demands in their last ever season at the Boleyn Ground, with Dimitri Payet coming in from Olympique de Marseilles and playing a starring role. The side finished in seventh place to secure Europa League football.

The move to the Olympic Stadium was always going to be very difficult. The arena was renamed the London Stadium as CEO Karen Brady pledged that the supporters would take place in the most successful migration the history of football.

However, the debut stadium at Stratford was initially marred by crowd disturbances and the team putting in poor performances. Payet was sold in January 2017 with United ending the season in eleventh position.

Many fans were disgruntled with their new domain and lack of so called marquee signings. The board dismissed Bilić and replaced him with David Moyes. Demonstrations reached a boiling point when supporters encroached onto the pitch and invaded the area around the directors box in the home game against Burnley.

Moyes' short term contract was not renewed. Manuel Pellegrini was appointed as the new manager and given money to sign new players, which he did in grand scale including record buy Sebastien Haller. His reign ended in December 2019 after the side flattered to deceive.

Moyes returned on a longer deal and won the fans round as he led the side to sixteenth place before a huge improvement in 2020-21, another season affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

This led to Europa League football at the London Stadium, going all the way to the semi-finals in 2021-22 before losing out to Eintracht Frankfurt. Moyes continued to build the side, in which Jared Bowen had become a leading light alongside outstanding midfielder and skipper Declan Rice.

Long serving star Mark Noble retired as the Hammers qualified for the Europa Conference League in 2022-23. The side topped their group stage and then defeated AEK Larnaca, Gent, and AZ to set up a final against Fiorentina at the Fortuna Arena in Prague.

Goals from Saïd Benrahma and later Bowen won the tie 2-1 to lift their first European trophy for fifty-eight years. The joyous scenes were tempered slightly a few weeks later as Rice headed to Arsenal for an initial fee of £100million.

The Hammers had another decent season in 2023-24 before Moyes departed to be replaced by Julen Lopetegui.

West Ham United FC will compete in the Premier League in the 2024-25 season.

My visits

West Ham United 1 Nottingham Forest 2 (Saturday 28th August 1982) Division One

Scarborough Cricket Club had reached Lord's in the final of the National Club Knockout. I had visited the home of cricket twice previously and was now getting to the age where I was eager to see the world. My Dad kindly took three of my mates along with me and young Nick on the train on a family railcard ticket to the capital in August 1982. 

I was with Guy, Paul and Pete, who I were schoolmates and we picked out a game we wouldn't mind going to. We decided upon the First Division clash between West Ham and Nottingham Forest. We were wary on the tube, especially with our northern accents but got to Upton Park without hassle.

The thrill of the big crowd was exciting and we plumped for standing up on the North Bank. This was a huge bank of terracing with a roof covering the back two thirds. Opposite was a similar end with a lesser roof which also had a section of away fans. Down the left was the East Stand which was a raised seating area with a terraced paddock at the front called The Chicken Run. 

The Main Stand on the right was a grand towering two tiered structure containing seats on both levels. The atmosphere was intimate with the stands going right up to the pitch. The goal nets didn't go back far which added to the feeling that you were virtually on the field with the players.

The noise was just as we expected on the terraces where we were tightly packed. The facilities were very basic and the lack of crush barriers meant the crowd naturally swayed backwards and forwards as they reached for a better view. Forest won the game 2-1 and the home fans left disappointed.

We took our time getting back to Kings Cross to meet my Dad and Nick and here of Scarborough's triumph. I had a bit of an embarrassing time on the way back when my mates had decided to try a beer or two on the train when the guard rounded them up and asked for their tickets who were with my Dad and they were all meant to be travelling as children! That's mates for you.

Thursday 23rd August 2012

I had the day off work and fancied doing something. I needed to do some shopping in central London, after which I decided to head to the East End and try and visit both the homes of The Hammers and Leyton Orient in the hope of getting some photos for this blog.

I alighted at Upton Park and walked down Green Street to the Boleyn Ground. The new West Stand was a huge construction, with mock castles flanking the main corporate and office spaces at the rear.

The whole stadium had changed dramatically since my first visit for a game, not least because of the stipulations put into place in the aftermath of the Hillsborough Disaster of 1989. Only the East Stand remained with the old paddock now seated. 

In 1993 the South Bank was replaced by The Bobby Moore Stand with a capacity of 9,000 seats on two tiers along with corporate boxes. 

In 1995 the North Bank was demolished. In it's place a two tiered seated stand for 6,000 fans (including visiting teams supporters) called The Centenary and then Sir Trevor Brooking Stand was erected. 

Finally a new West Stand holding 15,000 seats on two tiers containing a hotel and boxes replaced the old structure with corner sections between the Brooking and Bobby Moore Stands added on. The ground was significantly better facility wise.

I walked around for signs of an open gate without any luck, but instead did a full lap around the ground, going past the Supporters Club on Castle Street and the Boleyn Tavern before taking a picture of the heroes statue on Barking Road. 

I thought I had a chance of getting inside the Bobby Moore Stand as an outside gate to the forecourt was open. I went inside only for the gate to lock behind me. I had to go to the function room reception to make an embarrassing apology to get back out!

I continued along Priory Road behind the East Stand and where the away fans have to walk down what I'm sure can be scary alleys and roads back to the station. I was determined to return for a game once a reasonable opportunity presented itself. I headed off to Leyton and another failed attempt to get inside a ground!

West Ham United 1 Wigan Athletic 4 (Tuesday 25th September 2012) League Cup Round Three (att: 25,934)

My opportunity came quicker than I anticipated. After some time off work I'd taken my eye off the ball regarding fixtures in London, but I saw the list for the forthcoming week on the Sunday morning. 

Experience told me that the bigger clubs in the League Cup often had reduced priced tickets in an attempt to try and fill the ground, as season ticket holders were reluctant to shell out extra cash.

I wasn't disappointed and I purchased a ticket in the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand Upper for just £10, which I presumed I would have to collect from the box office.

On the day of the match I considered meeting up with a cricketing pal and Hammer fanatic Paul Foster for pre match beers in nearby Plaistow, but I was tired after completing my early shift so I went home for a siesta. The Hammersmith & City line train took an eternity from Baker Street owing to congestion during the evening peak. It was standing room only, and I was most happy when we eventually reached Upton Park.

Green Street was a hive of activity with fans spilling out of the take away's and pubs, and burger and souvenir stalls set up on the pavements. To be honest it made the street look a hell of a lot better than on a non match day. I joined the very long queue for the box office, with a little concern that I may miss kick off.

I needn't have worried. The stewarding and staff were superb in dealing with the crowds. I was on the concourse in the stand twenty five minutes before the start. 

I had fed myself properly before setting out, but I fancied a drink. I ended up with a small bottle of Magners for £4.20. Lager and bitter were both £4. A total rip off, but needs must.

My seat offered a good view, albeit with the railings above the exit slightly obstructing my view. However, as the stand was nowhere near capacity I moved to a better vantage point. Although the crowd was 10,000 down on a league gate, there was loud  singing of 'I'm forever blowing bubbles'. It must be terrific in a full house in a derby against Millwall.

The Hammers started off well, despite Allardyce making many changes to give his fringe players an outing. Madibo Maiga smashed home from the edge of the box as he latched on to a defensive error. United continued to create half chances, but their defence were far more adept at offering opportunities to the scarcely supported Wigan team.

Mauro Boselli latched on to a cross to level and after thirty eight minutes Ivan Ramis fired home from outside the box. Before half time it was three as Boselli got his second with a classic finish after being sent clean through the stationary rearguard. 

The home fans were not happy at half time, although I later read that the regulars were dismayed with the 'once a season' fans getting on the players backs.

After the interval West Ham gave it a go to reduce the arrears, but I always fancied Athletic to be the more likely to add to their tally as they looked more dangerous on the break. Both sides made substitutions before Stephen Henderson was slow off his line, bringing down a forward and leading to the award of a penalty, which was calmly dispatched by Jordi Gomez.

Like many others I used this as my cue to call it an evening. I went as quick as I could up the road and joined the well organised funnel into the station. I was soon aboard a train and I was back indoors at home before 11pm. 

I opened a letter on my return to find my match ticket inside, so I didn't have to queue after all! I'm not sure what would have happened if I'd used both tickets? Perhaps the electronic validator on the gate would have refused the second attempt?

It had been a decent game to watch as a neutral, but I'd have been concerned as a home fan; especially if they suffered with any long term injuries as the season progressed. I got my moneys worth for a tenner, and that mattered more in my book!

Argentina 2 Croatia 1 (Wednesday 12^th November 2014) International Friendly (att: approx 25,000)

While watching the build up to the Saturday afternoon matches, John Motson’s voice made me sit up and listen when he mentioned through a tenuous link that West Ham fans would have chance to see their old hero Carlos Tevez once more the following Wednesday in action for Argentina.

I quickly got into action and booked four tickets. I needed to catch up with my brother Paul, as well as Hampstead pals Steve Jarvis and Steve ‘Potholes’ Williams. Plans were hatched through the help of my Hammers mate Paul Foster so we were ready on the day.

The evening proved the perfect antidote after a stressful few days on a works management training course. Jarvo and I caught the train to alight at Plaistow and walk down to the Black Lion, where the others met us. A very enjoyable catch up and drinks soon went before we cut through the back streets to arrive at Upton Park.

The £25 seats in the Bobby Moore Lower gave us a great view. We were running a little late and on arrival we found an old Croatian fan in our seats as he’d gone into the wrong row. He was getting up to leave as I saw the net ripple for his sides opening goal from Anas Sharbini to the surprise of many.

Croatian boss Niko Kovac rested several of his stars as they had a Euro 2014 Qualifier a few days later against Italy. Meanwhile the Albiceleste supremo Gerardo Martino fielded a star studded side including Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria, Pablo Zabaleta, Javier Mascherano, substitute Tevez and the big attraction Lionel Messi.

Croatia continued to play some smashing stuff as the Argentinians played some scintillating stuff. Messi especially was showing his brilliant skills. Aguero was also on top form.

We adjourned for beers downstairs before Aguero fortuitously deflected a Cristian Ansaldi effort home to level the scores. The South Americans continued to pour forward and on fifty seven minutes they were awarded a penalty when Aguero was brought down. Messi slotted the spot kick away with his usual aplomb.

The great man wanted the ball at all times and looked back to his best after a disappointing World Cup. The fact that he remained on the pitch for the full match in a friendly game spoke volumes about his attitude. It was an honour to be just a few yards away from him.

At full time I suggested a couple of beers to let the crowds disperse from the notoriously overcrowded tube station. We were allowed inside the West Ham Supporters Club near to our exit, which was a real bonus as it was relatively empty and the prices were most agreeable.

As we headed back to the station, we stopped to admire an intense cricket match taking place between local Asians under the roof of Green Street Market. They were not messing about and quickly put to bed any ideas of us joining in once we saw the pace of the bowling with a hard ball without protection for the batsmen.

I got home around half past midnight after a quality night out watching some legends of the game and also having had some very interesting conversation around plenty of booze. What more could I wish for?

See a brief video of the penalty here:

Saturday 30th July 2016

As it was the thirtieth anniversary of England lifting the World Cup and I had been at the friendly up the road between Dagenham & Redbridge and AFC Wimbledon, there was only one place to go on the way back; especially as many Hammers fans claim that it was West Ham who won the cup for England!

The Irons had moved out of Upton Park and were just a few days away from their first game at the Olympic Stadium. I thought it would be a last chance to have a look at the old place, which had boards put up outside the stadium on Green Street.

I’d walked from East Ham High Road, through the streets which once were filled on matchdays with hundreds and thousands of fans, some looking for a quicker way home than using Upton Park station.

I crossed Barking Road to pay homage to statue of the heroes of 66, where a local youth was sat oblivious to its history. He was a friendly smiling lad who moved for me to take a photo and was quite excited when I told him the history and relevance of the day and the structure.

It seemed quite fitting that I should take a bus to Stratford to experience what locally based Hammers fans would face in the future, from where I caught a couple of trains home.

It had been a really enjoyable and productive day personally. I was on my way back to full fitness!

West Ham United 3 NK Domžale 0 (Thursday 4th August 2016) Europa League Qualifying Round second leg (att: 53,914)

West Ham’s official opener at the retitled London Stadium had originally have been intended to have been against Juventus the following Sunday, but the draw of the Europa League had not been taken into account. This was not the first lack of foresight on behalf of the owners and their woeful transition from the Boleyn Ground.

Once I’d come out of my first football experience of the season the previous Saturday at Dagenham & Redbridge with no ill effects, I had read of some tickets being available for the first game at the new place on the excellent Non League Matters forum.

I had no problem obtaining a ticket for £10 in the Stand with my previous purchasing history.

The first part of the day was spent at day one of the vital Middlesex v Surrey County Championship game. The weather was stunning and a fine day’s play was made even more pleasurable with the introduction of the inaugural beer festival at the ground.

Around 5pm I set off with my cricket and West Ham pal Tony Foster and Wenlock Arms CC colleague Ian Heward who lived at Hackney Wick, nearby to the stadium. We walked down to Baker Street and then took the Jubilee line directly to Stratford.

Ian knew the short cuts avoiding the Westfield Shopping Centre from his locale and work in the area. This was extremely useful in avoiding the big crowds in the main hall. There was word that football fans would be diverted away from Westfield, but we saw plenty of Hammers in the bars leading up to the stadium.

Tony was nervous about the whole move as a loyal regular for several decades. He was extremely apprehensive about what view from his seat would offer and which would turn out to be the best travel arrangements for travel to and from Harrow.

Obviously there was going to be a few teething troubles, especially on the first night, but the woeful lack of programme sellers was quite a shock. We eventually managed to get our copies at £3.50 after standing in ridiculous queues. After setting off with plenty of time for a 6.45 kick off, we were now pushing it a little for time.

Tony’s block was straight ahead on the Aquatic Centre side of the vast park. I said my goodbye until the following morning and continued round with Ian to find my block. He pointed out the landmarks to aim for after the game to get to Hackney Wick station before he headed home.

New signage had been added to the outside perimeter of the stadium, including the generally disliked new club bade, which had dispersed of the old Boleyn Castle and added the word “London” in a clear move to change the club’s image by completely rebranding it.

The long day had left me hungry and dry, so I purchased a roll over hot dog and cup of Coke. It’s fair to say I was slightly shocked by the exorbitant prices. The facilities on the concourse were pretty good as I remembered from my previous experience inside the arena.

This was for a morning session at the Paralympics in 2012 with a sell out crowd of 90,000. It was an amazing experience around a wonderful time to be British and living in London. I was most interested to see how the stadium would look and cope with football.

There was quite a lot of speculation as to how close the seats would be to the pitch, as West Ham fans were assured of excellent sightlines through the use of retractable seating, which was required as the stadium had to be available for the owners to convert it for other events including athletics.

Well, it was soon obvious that all what was not as Gold, Sullivan and Brady had promised the Hammers faithful. The lower tier seating was not retractable. It was built on scaffolding with a large gap between the two tiers on three sides of the stadium. 

Those in the lower tiers had to walk across bridges to reach their seating. Remarkably the most expensive seats with corporate facilities were the furthest from the pitch! The old permanent lower tier seats were clearly visible underneath the temporary scaffold seating.

My designated seat had already been taken. I wasn’t going to make a fuss as a visitor and I found a better view far further back in some of the seats that weren’t meant to have been available. The stewards were pretty much clueless and most uninterested.

The atmosphere when the “Bubbles” anthem was belted out was good. The roof held in the noise, but that was about the only time there was any real concerted noise, as fans who’d spent years together with each other were now split up. Some used to standing and being left alone at Upton Park were doing the same at the London Stadium, with new fans complaining.

Domžale had won the first leg 2-1 in the first leg in Slovenia. West Ham were without the players who had competed in the recent Euro Championships in France including their big favourite Dimitri Payet.

Despite this the home side put in a very competent performance to ease through to the next round. After just seven minutes, a fine move involving Mark Noble, Sam Byram and Enner Velencia set up Cheikhou Kouyate to score West Ham’s first goal in the London Stadium.

Ten minutes later Kouyate doubled the lead. Andy Carroll nodded down Michail Antonio’s cross for the Senegal international striker to fire home.

The visitors carved out a few half chances, but the Hammers were generally in control. After half time they gave it a bit of a go, forcing Darren Randolph into a couple of saves, but it was home man Sofiane Feghouli who had the final say, making it 3-0 after being released by skipper Noble with ten minutes remaining.

That was the excuse I was looking for to make a quick getaway. It was fair to assume that getting on the public transport would be fairly chaotic on opening night. I made a bolt for Ian’s suggestion and I was at Hackney Wick station just after the full time whistle.

It had been an enjoyable day out all round, but I wasn’t totally shocked that Tony was not best pleased with the stadium or his seat when we met up at Lord’s the following morning.

Sunday 11th December

My late shift at work following nights had caused me the usual problems with my sleeping pattern. I was off for the week after my Saturday duty and heading up to York to stay with my brother Nick and the family for a couple of nights.

Despite not going for a pint the previous night I still managed to turn up at Kings Cross late the following morning and I was an hour late for my train. It was completely my own fault, but I was hoping for a little sympathy.

The Virgin Trains booking clerk simply told me to buy a new ticket. I managed to find the Grand Central assistant, whose service I had been scheduled to travel on.

Her husband carried out a similar role as me for London Underground and they’d even lived near York for a few years so she was the epitome of helpfulness. The lovely kind lady changed my ticket for me, but it meant I’d have to wait three hours for their next train.

It was a stunning day and I’d read online reports that the Boleyn Ground was gradually being demolished. With time to kill this offered me a marvellous opportunity for photos.

Walking behind the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand round to Priory Road I was taken aback with the sight in front of me, even though I was expecting something along those lines. The old Chicken Run Stand had been completely demolished. 

A wire fence was at the road side to stop access. The mesh netting had been sliced in several places; no doubt to let fans have a last look inside their home of dreams and memories.

I walked round to Barking Road, where one wag on the Hammers forum “Knees Up Mother Brown” said he’d have sat at Upton Park if his London Stadium seat really was comparable, and he was about right.

A film crew were in and out of the old stadium as the club looked to capitalise on a film about the demolition. The old Social Club looked on sadly. Round on Green Street the old signage had gone from the stands and the whole area was out of bounds.

I was genuinely sad. I was sad because I love football and its history and heritage. I was sad for my West Ham mates. I was sad after reading the online forums and seeing how hard it been for many fans to take; it had genuinely been like a death in the family for many.

Walking back to the station I wondered just how many shops, pubs and cafes would disappear because of the lack of their regular football crowds? One thing was for sure. It would not affect Gold, Sullivan or Gold.

I headed back to Kings Cross contemplating just how much football had changed since I was a little lad. Sadly much of it was not for the better. I’d find out more the following Saturday as Hull City were in town.

West Ham United 1 Hull City 0 (Saturday 17th December 2016) Premier League (att: 56,592)

After a lovely break in Munich I flew back in to Luton ready to meet up with my brother Nick and my nephew Stan. We were to be joined by Andy and his daughter Heidi; our regular little posse for City matches in London.

I alighted from the ridiculously packed train from Luton at West Hampstead to drop off my backpack and to grab some food before following Nick’s advice on where to meet up pre match.

I was at The Bow Bells on Bow Road around 1.00. The Little Driver pub looked definitely just for home fans. My destination had doormen, but I wasn’t wearing any colours and they were friendly enough. I even got a seat and watched the Crystal Palace v Chelsea game. The Hophead ale was bang on. I was a contented man.

Eventually the others arrived in time for a couple of snifters before we headed off, with the walk up Fairfield Road and then under the A12, over the River Lea and across the park to the away entrances.

The prices seemed to be better value for visiting fans than I had remembered from the last time. I’d advised we opted for seats in the upper tier. Although they were further from the pitch, I reckoned on their being less interest from any boisterous home fans who tried to use the areas on the scaffolding nearer the pitch.

That said, there were several in the block across the sterile area who were more intent on looking at the away fans and passing on abuse and trying to look menacing. Most would have probably being scared of their own shadows, and no doubt enjoying their first season of “big” football.

My match ticket was my birthday present, which was really appreciated. It saved me the £30 admission price. The kids prices were a very steep £25. The excellent programme was once again £3.50.

My pre match prediction was that City would defend gallantly but end up losing 1-0 when they eventually caved in to sustained pressure. Well, I got the score correct but that was about all.

Mike Phelan shocked even the most optimistic City fan as the team went out and attacked after taking what initial sting West Ham had to offer.

Dieumerci Mbokani was proving a real handful up front. He came close with a twist, turn and shot before missing a real sitter to put the Tigers ahead. He pounced on a shocking Aaron Cresswell back pass, but his shot hit the inside of the post despite beating Randolph in the home net.

Randolph made a couple of decent stops to deny the ever impressive Harry Maguire, while the home fans booed their side off at the interval. We decided to enjoy a beer!

Twelve minutes after the restart Andy Robertson saw his cross headed against his own post by Mark Noble. Two minutes later Robertson fired in a thunderous shot. We were right behind the ball and were certain it was going in, but once again it agonisingly hit the inside the post and bounced away to safety.

Gradually West Ham were getting into the game. I thought Andy Carroll was putting in a fine shift, unlike the disinterested Payet. There was no wonder that the Irons were struggling at the wrong end of the table, as too many talented individuals seemed shy of doing the hard work required in any team.

With just fourteen minutes remaining referee Lee Mason decided that Tom Huddlestone’s soft challenge on Michail Antonio warranted a penalty. Noble stroked home the spot kick with ease. The game became stretched until full time, but ultimately the penalty proved decisive as City went to the bottom of the table for Christmas.

It said it all that the West Ham fans gave their Man of the match award on the official West Ham Twitter to the West Ham woodwork with 57% voting in favour of that decision!

I was initially angry with the fact that it was definitely a case of three points been thrown away along with the gobby spotty youths giving it large alongside us. That said all was good within a few minutes as some proper fans had a good chat with us.

Every Hammers fan we spoke to was spot on. My two pals Tony Foster and Peter Lowe texted to say how they thought City should have won. They even admitted it was an extremely soft penalty decision.

Within twenty five minutes we were back in the Bow Bells. Once again the service was top drawer and the locals decent. The pub is certainly recommended by our group. I hung around to watch some of the West Brom v Man Utd game, while the others headed back to South London for food and drinks.

West Ham United P Wolverhampton Wanderers P (Sunday 18^th March 2020) Premier League

My Wolves supporting good pal Karl Theobald was heading to London with more friends and he saw that his team were scheduled to play at the London Stadium during his trip. Donna, his kind and understanding girlfriend gave him permission to go.

I’d sorted the tickets out, but we were beaten by the Coronavirus pandemic as the match was postponed. Instead, we all enjoyed a walk in the city and then a few drinks so not all was lost. The game eventually ended in a 2-0 away win when played behind closed doors.

Credit to the Hammers who were excellent in keeping me updated on gaining a refund.

Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th December 2020

Click here to read about a further visit as part of my 100-mile Sawasdee Cup Charity Walk visiting all clubs in Greater London in the top five tiers.

West Ham United 3 KRC Genk 0 (Thursday 21^st October 2021) Europa League (att: 45,980)

 

The enticement of a ticket for £30 saw me head for European action at the London Stadium. An enjoyable evening. The Hammers too good for the Belgians who tried to attack throughout and added to the entertainment.

It was nice to see an excellent performance from Jarrod Bowen, an old Hull City favourite of mine. He’d really come on well with additional fitness and playing around better teammates. He added the third goal on fifty-eight minutes. 

Earlier, Craig Dawson had put the hosts ahead in first half additional time, before Issa Diop scored a minute before Bowen’s effort. The game added to a good evening in enjoyable company as my move overseas got closer.

I caught up with my niece to go for a good but far too expensive Thai at the Adam & Eve in Homerton. A good pub, nonetheless, and just a short bus journey to Hackney Wick. My, the brewpubs and bars were busy around there as kick-off approached. Smart business from those who took the punt in moving out there. 

A stroke of luck as my regular non-league pal Tony is also a season ticket holder at the Irons. He messaged me and said he had spare seats around him on the halfway line, so at half time I moved from my place up in the Gods in a corner, with easy access all the way round the stadium on the concourses.

Credit to those in position at the club. The stadium was much improved from my previous visit, at least aesthetically with the corners behind the goal joining up properly and the scaffolding from the semi-permanent seating hidden.

Nothing they could really do about the gaps. The crowd appeared to be more relaxed about the place and made a proper din at times. Perhaps, it is just a case of putting out a decent team after all?

A walk back to Stratford following the well marshalled queues and then the Jubilee line back to Kingsbury after Tony had shown me a quick way to the platform devoid of other passengers.