WEST HAM UNITED
theyflysohigh : Steve Marsh
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES &
Memorabilia through the Decade
A Pictorial History
Ron Greenwood
#495 =
BOBBY FERGUSON
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BILLY BONDS
Born: 17 September 1946, Woolwich, London
Signed: Charlton Athletic
13 May 1967
Debut: 19 August 1967, Sheffield Wednesday (H)
Last game: 30 April 1988, Southampton (A)
Appearances: 787/12
Goals: 61
Honours: M.B.E. (1988),
Lifetime Achievement Award (2013)
International: England Under-23 (2 caps)
Individual honours:
Hammer of the Year (1971, 1974, 1975, 1987),
FA Cup Winner (1975),
European Cup Winners Cup Runner-up (1976),
FA Cup Winner (1980),
FA Charity Shield Runner-up (1980),
FL Second Division Champions (1981),
Football League Cup Runner-up (1981),
PFA Merit Award (1988)
Billy Bonds is one of the most iconic figures in the history of West Ham United. Born in 1946, William Arthur Bonds began his footballing journey in the heart of south-east London. Born in Woolwich and raised in nearby Eltham, he showed early promise playing for Moatbridge, a local Sunday boys’ team, and representing Kent Schoolboys.
His talent and tenacity earned him a place on the ground-staff at Charlton Athletic after leaving school at 15. At the Valley, Bonds progressed through the youth ranks, featuring in the ‘A’ team and Reserves before signing professional terms shortly before his 18th birthday in 1964. He made his senior debut in February 1965 against Northampton Town and quickly established himself as a regular in the side. Over the next three seasons, he made 95 league appearances for the Addicks, scoring once.
Even in a team often battling at the lower end of the Second Division, Bonds stood out. His aggressive tackling, aerial strength, and ability to surge forward from full-back marked him as a player of real potential. He was confident, physically robust, and clearly destined for a higher level. That promise was recognised by West Ham United manager Ron Greenwood, who signed him on 13 May 1967 for £49,500 - a move that would launch Bonds into the top flight and begin a legendary association with the Hammers.
From the moment he made his first-team debut against Sheffield Wednesday on 19 August 1967, Bonds became a fixture in the team. He played 42 matches in his debut season and went on to make over 40 appearances in each of his first eight campaigns. Initially deployed as a right-back, he was later moved into midfield, where his tenacity and work ethic perfectly complemented the finesse of Trevor Brooking. Bonds’ versatility was a hallmark of his career; in 1977, he transitioned again, this time to centre-half, showcasing his tactical intelligence and physical resilience.
Affectionately known as "Bonzo," his leadership qualities came to the fore following the departure of Bobby Moore in 1974, when he was handed the captain’s armband. Under his captaincy, West Ham lifted the FA Cup in 1975 with a 2-0 win over Fulham and reached the final of the European Cup Winners’ Cup the following year. Remarkably, despite his defensive role, Bonds topped the club’s scoring charts in the 1973/74 season, netting 13 goals, including a memorable hat-trick against Chelsea.
Captain courageous was honoured with two testimonial matches during his illustrious career. The first took place at the Boleyn Ground in December 1978, where West Ham faced Tottenham Hotspur. It was a modest but heartfelt celebration of a decade of loyal service.
Even as age crept in, Bonds remained a cornerstone of the team. At nearly 34, he captained West Ham to another FA Cup triumph in 1980, defeating Arsenal 1-0. His loyalty was unwavering; he stayed with the club through relegation and helped them win the Second Division title in 1981, playing 59 games that season. In 1982, he surpassed Bobby Moore’s all-time appearance record, eventually amassing a staggering 799 first-team games for the Hammers, a record he looks set to hold it for all-time.
Though he initially retired in 1984, Bonds returned to the squad later that year due to an injury crisis. His return proved vital during the club’s relegation battle in the 1984/85 season. Remarkably, he repeated the feat in 1986/87, stepping back into the fold after missing the entire previous campaign—a season in which the Hammers had recorded their highest-ever league finish, securing third place. Then, in 1987, at the age of 40, Bonds was named Hammer of the Year for the fourth time, a fitting tribute to his enduring influence, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the cause.
Following his retirement from playing, Bonds took charge of the club’s youth team, nurturing the next generation. In February 1990, he stepped into the managerial role after Lou Macari’s unexpected resignation, continuing his service to the club with dedication.
In November 1990, he turned back the clock 23 years to produce a typical swashbuckling performance in his second testimonial against Spurs. Bolstered by special guests and former Hammers’ favourites Alan Devonshire, Frank Lampard and Phil Parkes the game seemed to be heading for a 4-4 draw, even the east London rain couldn’t spoil another great night under the lights. West Ham was awarded a penalty, and up stepped the manager to score the winner from the spot.
In his first full season in charge, Bonds guided West Ham to a second-place finish in Division Two, securing promotion to the top flight. That same campaign saw the Hammers reach the FA Cup semi-final, only to fall to Nottingham Forest. Despite the high, the club was relegated again in 1992 after finishing bottom of Division One, a season marred by off-field unrest surrounding the controversial Bond Scheme.
Yet Bonds remained at the helm, and his loyalty was rewarded with another promotion in 1993. With his trusted assistant and close friend Harry Redknapp by his side, Bonds led West Ham to a respectable 13th-place finish in their first Premier League season. Ahead of the 1994/95 season, the club invited Bonds to take on a directorial role. Unwilling to be sidelined, he declined the offer, and the board honoured the remainder of his contract before handing the reins to his assistant, Harry Redknapp.
After a brief hiatus from football, Bonds returned to the game with Queens Park Rangers, overseeing their youth setup. After a brief spell managing Millwall from 1997 to 1998, Bonds stepped away from frontline football. In 2013, West Ham honoured him with their first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award, a fitting tribute to a man whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of the club.
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JOHN CUSHLEY
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#498
TREVOR BROOKING
Born: 2 October 1948, Barking, London
Apprentice: 24 July 1965
Professional: 2 May 1966
Debut: 29 August 1967, Burnley (A)
Last game: 14 May 1984, Everton (H)
Appearances: 635/8
Goals: 102
Honours: M.B.E. (1981), C.B.E. (1999),
Knight Bachelor (2004),
Lifetime Achievement Award (2014)
International: England (47 caps),
England Under-23 (1 cap),
England Youth (6 caps),
Inter-League (1 cap)
Hammer of the Year
(1972, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1984),
FA Cup Winner (1975),
FA Charity Shield Runner-up (1975),
European Cup Winners Cup Runner-up (1976),
FA Cup Winner (1980),
FA Charity Shield Runner-up (1980),
Second Division Champions (1981),
Football League Cup Runner-up (1981)
Trevor Brooking’s early life was marked by academic diligence and sporting promise. He attended Ripple Infants School and later Ilford County High School, where he earned eleven O-levels and two A-levels, a rare feat for a budding footballer.
His first taste of West Ham United came as a nine-year-old spectator at Upton Park, watching a 1–1 draw against Liverpool in 1958. That formative experience would shape a lifelong bond with the club. As a teenager, Brooking trained with Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, both of whom offered him apprenticeships. Chelsea even dangled a £500 signing fee and a car to lure him, but West Ham’s willingness to let him complete his education proved decisive.
On 24 July 1965, he signed apprenticeship forms with the Hammers, turning professional in May 1966. His senior debut came in a friendly against Grasshopper Zürich in 1967, followed by his league debut in place of Brian Dear at Turf Moor
in a 3–3 draw with Burnley on 29 August 1967. Brooking’s first goal for West Ham arrived on Boxing Day 1967 in a 4–2 win over Leicester City.
He sustained a chipped bone in his ankle playing against Nottingham Forest in December 1969, and with the injury taking longer than expected to recover and with the club signing Peter Eustace from Sheffield Wednesday to take his place he considered giving up the game. However, as one door shuts, another opens and with the departure of Martin Peters to Tottenham Hotspur in March 1970 he became a fixture in the Hammers midfield, and going on to make 643 league and cup appearances, scoring 102 goals. He was also instrumental in the club’s FA Cup triumph in 1975, and after collecting a runners-up medal in the European Cup Winners' Cup final the following season; he was back at Wembley scoring the winner with a rare header to collect his second FA Cup medal against Arsenal in 1980.
Brooking’s England career began relatively late, with his senior debut coming on 3 April 1974 in a friendly against Portugal. Over the next eight years, he earned 47 caps and scored five goals, representing his country in European Championship and World Cup qualifiers, as well as the finals of both tournaments. His first international goal came against Italy in a World Cup qualifier in 1977, and he played his final match for England in the 1982 World Cup against Spain.
On 31 October 1977, after spending over a decade weaving his quiet magic through the Hammers’ midfield, a crowd of 23,220 turned out to honour the 29-year-old, raising nearly £30,000 for his testimonial fund. The match pitted a West Ham XI, captained by Brooking himself, against an England XI selected by the Three Lions manager Ron Greenwood, The England manager was preparing for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Italy, and assembled a side featuring players on the fringes of the national squad. A lively contest ended with eight goals, six of which came from the home side.
Fittingly, Brooking opened the scoring with a sublime 20-yard strike, ‘Pop’ Robson added a second moments later, before the England XI responded through Hollins and Bowles. Geoff Pike restored West Ham’s lead before half-time, and in a nostalgic twist, World Cup hero Geoff Hurst - retired but still adored - pulled on the Claret and Blue shirt once more to score in the second half. The match was more than a fundraiser; it was a heartfelt salute to a player whose style and sportsmanship had earned admiration across the footballing world.
Brooking’s contributions were not only admired from the terraces but formally recognised through five Hammer of the Year awards. His first accolade came in 1972, a season that saw him emerge as the club’s creative pivot. With his trademark poise and vision, he orchestrated play from midfield, earning the admiration of fans and teammates alike. Four years later, in 1976, he reclaimed the honour, guiding the Hammers through a turbulent campaign with his steady influence and technical brilliance. Brooking’s dominance continued into the late 1970s, securing back-to-back awards in 1977 and 1978. These seasons showcased his consistency and class, even as West Ham faced challenges on and off the pitch. His ability to dictate tempo and deliver in crucial moments made him indispensable. The final Hammer of the Year came in 1984, his swansong season. Though age had crept in, Brooking’s footballing mind remained sharp, and his farewell campaign was a masterclass in dignity and devotion. The award served as a fitting tribute to a player who had given everything to the Claret and Blue.
In April 2003, following the sudden illness of West Ham manager Glenn Roeder, Trevor Brooking- already a long-serving member of the club’s board - stepped in as caretaker manager across two brief spells. Though his time in the dugout was short-lived, Brooking’s impact was remarkable: he oversaw 14 matches, winning 9, drawing 4, and losing just once. With a win ratio of 78.6%, he holds the distinction of being the most successful manager in West Ham’s history by percentage. His side scored 22 goals and conceded only 11 during that period, before Alan Pardew was appointed as permanent manager.
The following year, Brooking took on a pivotal national role as Director of Football Development at the Football Association. In this capacity, he was entrusted with overseeing coaching standards and youth development across English football, while also playing a key part in the selection of future England managers, a position that placed him at the heart of shaping the game’s long-term direction.
West Ham United honoured Sir Trevor Brooking’s legacy in the most enduring way possible, by naming a stand after him at both their historic and modern homes. At the Boleyn Ground, the South Bank was officially renamed the Trevor Brooking Stand in 2009, a tribute to his decades of service as player, manager, and ambassador. When West Ham moved to the London Stadium in 2016, the club ensured that Brooking’s name remained woven into the fabric of their new era. The Sir Trevor Brooking Stand was retained, preserving the connection between past and present. It stands as a symbol of continuity, class, and the values Brooking embodied - loyalty, elegance, and quiet leadership.
#499
FRANK LAMPARD
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#500
ALAN STEPHENSON
Born: 26 September 1944, Chesham,
Buckinghamshire
Signed: Crystal Palace
Date: 12 March 1968
Fee: £80,000
Debut: 16 March 1968, Southampton (A)
Last game: 1 May 1972, Southampton (H)
Appearances: 116/2
Goals: 1
Individual honours: England Under-23 (4 caps),
FA tour match (3 caps),
England Inter-League (1 cap)
Transferred: Portsmouth
Date; 10 May 1972
Fee: £35,000
Alan Stephenson carved out a distinguished career as a commanding central defender during the 1960s and 70s. His footballing journey began at Crystal Palace, when manager Arthur Rowe invited the youngster for a trial after he was spotted playing for London Schools v. Glasgow Schools in his last year at senior school and signed part-time pro in 1960. He signed professional terms in February 1962, and just a month later, at the age of seventeen, he made his senior debut for the club against Bradford Park Avenue.
In season 1963/64, Stephenson quickly established himself as a dominant aerial presence and a reliable figure in the Palace defence, contributing significantly to their rise through the divisions. He was appointed club captain and formed a formidable partnership with Brian Wood. His leadership and consistency were instrumental in the Glaziers promotion from the Third Division, and from 1964 onwards, he was a near ever-present in their side.
In May 1966 West Ham United manager Ron Greenwood tried unsuccessfully to bring the centre-half to the Boleyn Ground. However the Hammers’ manager persisted with his interest and finally got his man on 13 March 1968, but not before some bartering took place. The south London club had put a £100,000 price tag on his head, the Hammers offered £90,000 and a further £10,000 if he gained an England cap. With the clubs still unable to agree terms Greenwood withdrew his interest in the player which prompted Palace to drop their valuation to £80,000 a then club record fee for the Selhurst Park club. (As recorded in the Club’s minutes)
Stephenson joined a dressing room brimming with talent and pedigree. The squad featured World Cup winners Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, and Martin Peters, as well as seasoned campaigners like Ron Boyce and john Sissons. Far from being overawed, Stephenson embraced the challenge and made his debut came in a goalless draw against Southampton on 16 March 1968, his ambition to play in the First Division was fulfilled with pride.
In the 1968/69 season, he was one of the most consistent performers, making more league appearances than most of his teammates and finishing joint-second in total appearances across all competitions, level with Billy Bonds and just behind Hurst and Peters.
Stephenson’s style was uncompromising and physical; a no-nonsense centre-half who complemented Moore’s intellectual reading of the game, and while he couldn’t fully resolve West Ham’s defensive frailties, his presence added steel to a side known more for attacking flair than defensive solidity. Under Greenwood’s management, Stephenson appreciated the tactical depth and gentlemanly approach, though he noted Greenwood could be “a bit too nice sometimes.” He also worked under John Lyall, then youth-team manager, whom he described as having “grit and determination.”
Stephenson made 118 appearances for West Ham and scored once before a loan to Fulham in the 1971/72 season signalled the end of his time at Upton Park. He played his final game for the Hammers on 1 May 1972, a 1–0 win, coincidently, over his debut opponents Southampton, closing a chapter that had seen him compete at the highest level and share the pitch with some of England’s greatest footballing icons.
On 10 May 1972, he joined Portsmouth for £35,000, where he added another 98 league appearances to his tally. Stephenson’s career later took him to South Africa, where he played for Durban United before returning to England in 1977 to coach the reserve team at Orient. After four years in coaching, he left football behind to run a public house in Colchester and later worked as an education and welfare officer for Essex County Council. On the international stage, Stephenson earned seven caps for the England Under-23 team (4 with the Hammers) and also represented an FA touring side in Australia in 1971, playing in two victorious matches.
#501
ROGER CROSS
Born: 20 October 1948, East Ham, London
Signed: Apprentice
Date: 1 July 1964
Debut: Burnley, 26 August 1968 (H)
Last game: Stoke City, 6 October 1969 (H)
Appearances: 6/2
Goals: 1
Transferred: Brentford
Date: 12 March 1970
Fee: £12,000
Centre-forward Cross played schools football with East Ham and Essex before signing apprentice forms for West Ham on 1 July 1964. He was top reserve goal scorer for the Hammers on two consecutive seasons, before making his first-team debut as a substitute for John Sissons against Burnley at Upton Park 26 August 1968 in a 5-0 thrashing of the Turf Moor outfit.
In October of the same year he had joined Leyton Orient on a two-month loan spell. After making just 8 appearances in the claret and blue shirt and scoring a single goal he was forced to drop into the lower echelons of the League with Brentford to find regular first team soccer.
The Bees’ signed him for £12,000 on 12 March 1970. He later went on a merry-go-round of London clubs and played for Fulham, who signed him for £30,000 scoring ten goals in 46 league and cup appearances for the west London club. He had a second spell at Griffin Park, and took his Bee's tally to 228 appearances and 79 goals. He then joined Millwall for £8,000.
In 1977, Cross moved to the United States to play for the Seattle Sounders of the North American Soccer League. Later to become coach at Queens Park Rangers, Tottenham Hotspur and in February 1998 teamed up with his former team-mates Harry Redknapp and Frank Lampard to become first team coach at Upton Park.
In 1979, he took the youth team manager position at Millwall. After a period on the coaching staff at Queens Park Rangers, he moved to Spurs, where he later became assistant manager to Gerry Francis. He re-joined West Ham as reserve team coach in the summer of 2001 later going on to become Hammers’ chief scout.
#502
JIMMY LINDSAY
Born: 12 July 1949, Hamilton, Scotland
Signed: Possilpark YMCA, Jnrs
Date: 2 September 1966
Debut: Burnley, 8 October 1968 (A)
Last game: Nottingham Forest, 10 April 1971 (A)
Appearances: 42/3
Goals: 2
Individual honours: Scotland Youth (1 cap)
Transferred: Watford
Date: August 1971
A scheming midfield motivator, plucked from Scottish junior football where he had gained considerable respect playing for Glasgow Boys. Signed professional forms in the summer of 1966, he won a Scottish Youth cap the following year and made his first-team debut coming on as a substitute in the 3-1 away defeat to Burnley at Turf Moor 8 October 1968.
Found it difficult to break into the first-team he transferred across London to Watford in May 1971 for £20,000. Lindsay later went on to play for Colchester United, Hereford United and Shrewsbury Town.
#503
KEITH MILLER
Born: 26 January 1948, Lewisham, London
Signed: Walthamstow Avenue
Date: 31 August 1965
Debut: Ipswich Town, 23 November 1968 (A)
Last Game: Leeds United, 2 April 1970 (H)
Appearances: 1/2
Goals: 0
Honours:
Metropolitan League Pro Cup winner 1966-67,
Metro League Autumn Shield winner 1967-68,
London Challenge Cup winner 1968-69
Lewisham born Keith Miller played for Blackheath Boys and Walthamstow Avenue. As an amateur player with The Stow he supplemented his income by working with his father at Smithfield meat market in London. West Ham United offered the 17-year-old a two-week trial at Chadwell Heath. After impressing, manager Ron Greenwood signed Miller on amateur forms from the Isthmian League club on 31 August 1965.
Miller’s first outing in the Claret and Blue shirt came in the outside-right position for the ‘A’ team’s Metropolitan League fixture against Charlton Athletic at Woolwich Stadium on 15 September 1965 in a 2-1 reverse. Scored his first goal three-days later in the 4-0 win over Hatfield Town at their Stonecross Road Ground and went on to rack up 32 appearances and 8 goals in his first campaign. His elevation to the Reserve side came in December 1966 and the following season, Miller reverted to a more defensive position, alternating between wearing the number 4 and 6 shirts, more famously worn by Martin Peters and Bobby Moore.
Destined to be an understudy at Upton Park, the tough-tackling player’s options were few and far between, he stepped up to make the first of only 3 senior appearances for the first-team when coming on as a substitute for John Sissons against Ipswich Town in the 2-2 draw at Portman Road on 23 November 1968. His second appearance, once more came from the bench in a 1-0 defeat by Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on 30 August 1969. Miller’s only starting appearance for Ron Greenwood came on 2 April 1970 in a 2-2 draw with Leeds United at the Boleyn Ground. That afternoon, Miller had the proud honour of wearing the famous Number 6 shirt, with Moore wearing Number 5. In a highly charged game against the Yorkshire side in which Miller’s unfortunate collision with Paul Reaney left the England international with a broken leg. Both players acknowledged that it was an accident, for Reaney it was heartbreaking as he was included in the squad to go to Mexico for the 1970 World Cup.
On 1 July 1970, after spending five seasons as a second-string reserve player, albeit picking up a number of winners’ medals long the way, the 22-year-old accepted the offer to move to AFC Bournemouth for a £10,000 fee, the south coast side were newly relegated to the fourth tier of English football. In his first season with the Cherries, playing alongside fellow ex-Irons Trevor Hartley, Tony Scott and Pat Holland and under the management duo of former Hammers John Bond and Ken Brown they won promotion back to the Third Division.
Miller went on to captain the club and made a total 383 appearances, scoring 19 goals. The Dean Court side rewarded him with a testimonial against Tottenham in 1980.
#504
PETER GROTIER
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#505
PAT HOLLAND
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#506
STEPHEN DEATH
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#507
CLYDE BEST
Born: 24 February 1951, Somerset, Bermuda
Signed: Somerset Trojans FC (Bermuda)
Date: 18 April 1969
Debut: 25 August 1969, Arsenal (H)
Last game: 17 January 1976, Manchester City (A)
Appearances: 213/8
Goals: 58
Transferred: Tampa Bay Rowdies (USA)
Date: February 1976
International: Bermuda (2 caps)
Individual honours:
Inducted Bermuda National Sports Hall
of fame 2004,
FIFA Order of Merit Award 2004,
MBE 2006,
Inducted Somerset Trojans Hall of Fame 2007,
Awarded first place in Annual Caribbean
Awards Sports Icons 2013.
Towards the end of the 1967/68 season West Ham had contemplated disbanding their ‘A’ Team and dropping out of the Metropolitan League for the upcoming campaign. However, the club revised their plans and stayed in the competition. To coincide with that decision South East Counties youth manager John Lyall took the next step on the managerial ladder for the Hammers by taking over the Metropolitan League side.
17-year-old Clyde Best arrived from his native Bermuda in the summer of 1968 for an extended trial period. The Somerset Trojans striker picked up a silver medal in the Pan-American games held in Winnipeg, Canada in 1967 with a performance that alerted the Upton Park scouts. The teenage striker made his initial debut in Lyall's Metropolitan League team against Bletchley on 17 August 1968.
Best is two years my senior, and I’ve always had an affinity with the big man: You could say we started our West Ham adventure together, Clyde the player and me a supporter. As Best was stepping onto the Manor Road Ground that August day, I was paying my two shillings and sixpence to go through the boys' entrance turnstiles on to the North Bank terracing at the Boleyn Ground to see my first-ever West Ham United game against Nottingham Forest.
Two months later I got my first glimpse of the youngster in person playing for the Reserves in a Football Combination fixture against Arsenal at Upton Park in October. From the very start you could see he was different from all around him, and not because of the colour of his skin. Although he was one of a handful of black players in the Football League at that time, the youngster stood out, standing over six-foot tall, this powerfully built striker towered over his colleagues and opponents. A week after watching him make his Combination debut he was representing Bermuda against the USA in a World Cup qualification in Kansas City.
At the end of his first season, Clyde had signed professional forms for the Hammers in April 1969 and with just 33 second and third-string games under his belt, Best's elevation from the bone-hard pitches in his native Bermuda to the rain-sodden playing fields of the English Football League, playing alongside England's World Cup stars Bobby Moore, Martin Peters and Geoff Hurst was complete. That it had happened in little over a year was truly remarkable.
I, along with 39,590 others at Upton Park on 25 August 1969, witnessed his first team debut against Arsenal. Surprisingly for one so tall, he had a deft touch on the ground, he was quick to seize on any off chances that came his way and wasn't averse to helping out his defenders when called upon, the latter quite literally when he was called upon to deputise in goal for the injured Bobby Ferguson against Leeds United.
I was there to see his first goal in the 4-2 victory over Halifax Town in the League Cup. Although not a classic header he managed to deflected a Bobby Moore free kick with his head and into the goal.
Although he would be the first to admit that speed was not one of his strongpoint’s, that, along with his heading ability would come later with practice. However, once mastered he was West Ham's top goal scorer for 1971/72 season with 23 goals and formed a formidable partnership with England striker Geoff Hurst which reaped 39 goals between them as West Ham reached the League Cup semi-finals.
Best brought more than just goals to the team, however, providing a focal point for the likes of Trevor Brooking, Pat Holland, John Ayris and strike partner Pop Robson to play off. Over seven seasons he made 221 appearances in claret and blue.
Best was just 25 when he brought his West Ham career to a close, flying back across the Atlantic Ocean to play in the North American Soccer League for Tampa Bay Rowdies on loan before signing for the Florida based Portland Timbers club in February 1976. Best also had a spell in the Dutch Eredivisie for Feyenoord during 1977/78 before returning to North America and the ‘indoor game’ first with Cleveland Force then Portland Timbers, Toronto Blizzard and finally Los Angeles Lazers.
In retirement, Best became a successful businessman running his own cleaning company and for a brief period in the early 1990s he was an assistant coach for the San Diego Sockers before coaching the Bermuda national team from 1997 to 1999. Best was made an MBE in the 2006 New Year Honours list for services to football and the community in Bermuda.
#508
PETER EUSTACE
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#509
JIMMY GREAVES
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#510
DAVID LLEWELYN
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#511
JOHNNY AYRIS
Born: 8 January 1953, Wapping, London, England
Signed: Juniors
Professional: 26 August 1969
Debut: 3 October 1970, Burnley (H)
Last game: 16 October 1976, Ipswich Town (H)
Appearances: 50/19
Goals: 2
Transferred: Wimbledon
Date: 1976
Individual honours: England youth (7 caps)
Born in nearby Wapping, John Ayris was a wing-forward with sublime talent. Unfortunately, a series of injuries put paid to the youngster's hopes of making it to the very top of the game, but he still managed to total 65 appearances and two goals for West Ham United.
A product of the club's Academy, Ayris made his initial Claret and Blue appearance on 14 September 1968 playing for the Juniors in a 5-3 South East Counties Division 2 Cup win against Millwall at their Beckenham training ground. Ayris signed full professional forms on 26 August 1969. A year later he made his league debut on 3 October 1970 in a 3-1 First Division win over Burnley at the Boleyn Ground.
Used regularly as a substitute, the player nicknamed 'Rat' was selected seven times to play for England's youth team in 1971. That same year, he overcame an air embolism on his lung suffered in a challenge with Ron 'Chopper' Harris.
The winger was running rings around the notorious Chelsea hard man and the riled defender picked his moment “to let him know he was still there.” Ayris was to later say “I’d been giving him the run around and he was getting really wound up and the crowd were on his back.” One challenge later and the diminutive Hammers had flipped over the back of Harris and he landed with a sickening thud. The young winger was all of a sudden having difficulty breathing and he was immediately subbed.
Hospital tests showed that the injury had caused an air bubble to form in his lung, a condition he was to later to find out could be life threatening. Because of the injury Ron Greenwood would in the future only pick and choose the right games for him to play in, and even then a string of other injuries would curtail his ambitions.
Having missed the 1975 FA Cup final - he spent three months playing for Cape Town City in South Africa - Ayris found his opportunities increasingly limited in east London and opted to join Wimbledon on a free transfer at the end of the 1976/77 season. After retiring from playing, he would later work in the sports department at Selfridges before getting married and moving to the Essex town of South Woodham Ferrers and becoming manager of the town's leisure centre.
#512
TOMMY TAYLOR
Born: 26 September 1951, Hornchurch, Essex
Signed: Orient
Date: 14 October 1970
Fee: £78,000
Debut: 17 October 1970, Tottenham Hotspur (H)
Last game: 14 May 1979, Millwall (A)
Appearances: 403
Goals: 8
International: England Under-23 (11 caps)
Individual honours: FA Cup Winner (1975),
FA Charity Shield Runner-up (1975),
European Cup Winners Cup Runner-up (1976)
Born in Hornchurch, Essex in 1951, Tommy Taylor, carved out a distinguished career in English football, beginning with a promising schoolboy course that hinted at the leadership and resilience he would later bring to the professional game. As a youth, Taylor’s talent was quickly recognised, earning him a place in the England Schoolboys setup in 1967, where he won six caps. His performances at this level showcased not only his defensive prowess but also a maturity and composure that belied his age. By 1969, he had progressed to the England Youth team, captaining the side and adding seven more international appearances to his name.
Taylor’s club career began in earnest with Orient, around the same period the club had dropped ‘Leyton’ from their title, making his senior debut in 1966 as a teenager. Over the next four seasons, he became a mainstay in the O’s defence, accumulating over 100 appearances and playing a key role in their Third Division title-winning campaign in 1969/70. His commanding presence at centre-back and ability to read the game made him one of the most sought-after young defenders in the country.
On 14 October 1970, West Ham United secured his services for a £78,000 fee, with inside forward Peter Bennett valued at £20,000 moving in the opposite direction (As reported in the Club minutes). At just 19 years old, Taylor stepped into a dressing room filled with legends, including Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, and Jimmy Greaves.
Taylor made his Hammers debut in the London derby against Tottenham Hotspur at Upton Park in a 2-2 draw on the 17 October 1970. Despite the daunting company, he quickly established himself, making 31 appearances in his debut season and scoring his first goal in a 2–1 win over Southampton in April 1971.
He formed a solid defensive partnership with Moore during the early 1970s, learning from one of the game’s greatest centre-backs. Under manager Ron Greenwood, Taylor flourished, benefiting from Greenwood’s innovative coaching methods and strong team spirit. His performances earned him 13 caps for England’s Under-23 team between 1971 and 1973. Though he never broke into the senior national side, his club contributions were immense.
Taylor’s time at West Ham United was marked by several standout moments; 1972/73, when West Ham finished sixth in the First Division - their highest league finish since 1958/59. Taylor was a key figure in defence, contributing to a campaign that saw the club briefly challenge for European qualification. He was ever-present during the 1974/75 season, playing a crucial role in West Ham’s FA Cup triumph. Partnering with Kevin Lock in central defence, he helped marshal the back line as the Hammers defeated Fulham 2–0 at Wembley. The victory was only the second FA Cup win in the club’s history, and Taylor’s consistency and composure throughout the campaign were vital to their success.
The following season, 1975/76, saw Taylor ever-present once again, making 59 appearances across all competitions. West Ham’s form carried over into Europe, where they reached the final of the European Cup Winners’ Cup. Though they were narrowly beaten 4–2 by Anderlecht in Brussels, Taylor’s performances on the continental stage demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level.
Taylor returned to his former club in the summer of 1979 after losing his place to Alvin Martin. Over his nine-year spell at Upton Park, he made over 400 appearances in Claret and Blue, becoming a dependable and respected figure in the squad. His blend of leadership, consistency, and quiet excellence made him a cornerstone of West Ham’s defence during a memorable era.
After retiring from playing, Taylor began his coaching journey with Charlton Athletics' youth setup before moving into management in New Zealand for three years. After coaching in New Zealand, he returned to England with roles at Maidstone and Cambridge United, becoming first-team manager in 1995. He led Leyton Orient from 1996 to 2001, guiding them to a play-off final. Later posts included Darlington, Farnborough, King’s Lynn, Boston United, and a caretaker stint at Peterborough. Internationally, he managed Grenada, PS Kemi Kings (Finland), Fløy (Norway), and Europa Point (Gibraltar), with a brief spell at CD Torrevieja in Spain. Taylor also served as Director of Football at Histon, reflecting a versatile and enduring presence in the game.
Second Debut
BRIAN DEAR
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#513
JOHN McDOWELL
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#514
BRYAN ROBSON
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#515
JOE DURRELL
Born: 15 March 1953, Stepney, London
Apprentice: 29 July 1968
Professional: October 1970
Debut: 25 September 1971, Stoke City (H)
Last game: 1 May 1972, Southampton (H)
Appearances: 5/1
Goals: 0
Transferred: Bristol City
Date: 23 July 1973
Stepney-born Joe Durrell played for East London, Middlesex and London Boys and was discovered by West Ham scout Wally St Pier. Durrell signed apprentice forms in July 1969 and alternated playing for the Seniors’ and Junior sides in both South East Counties Leagues, in the same season he made the step up, helping out the Club’s ‘A’ team who were competing in the Metropolitan League.
The diminutive, nippy winger progressed through the Upton Park ranks and signed his first professional contract in October 1970 and was further rewarded with an invitation by the Football Association to join there 3-day youth training and seclection course at Lilleshall. Over the course of the 1970/71 season Durrell racked up 54 appearances across the Youth and Reserve competitions, scoring nine goals.
A groin injury sustained by Harry Redknapp at Ninian Park against Cardiff in a Football League Cup clash a week earlier gave the 18-year-old his first taste of first team football when he took to the field against Stoke City at Upton Park on 25 September 1971.
Young Durrell who is a natural left-footer and plays as an orthodox winger could feel pleased with his performance which saw him make his acquaintance with the First Division. However, with the fit-again Redknapp and the signing of Dudley Tyler from Hereford United in June 1972 his appearances were limited to a total of half-a-dozen owing to competition for places.
Durrell was released in order to provide him with a greater opportunity of playing senior-grade football. Having turned down offers from Aldershot, Walsall, a couple from non-league clubs and one in Ireland, the 20-year-old pocket-sized Cockney signed for Bristol City on 23 July 1973.
He later played for Cardiff City (loan) and enjoyed a prolonged spell in the first-team at Gillingham making 49 appearances and 9 goals before dropping into non-league football with Dagenham who at the time were managed by former Hammer Eddie Presland. After hanging up his boots Durrell pursued a career in teaching.
#516
ADEWUNMI COKER
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#517
KEVIN LOCK
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#518
CLIVE CHARLES
Born: 3 October 1951, Dagenham, Essex
Debut: 21 March 1972, Coventry City (A)
Last game: 25 August 1973, Newcastle United (H)
Appearances: 12/3
Goals: 0
Individual honours: England Youth (5 caps)
Transferred: Cardiff City
Date: Loan 29 March 1974 – permanent 31 May 1974
Died: 26 August 2003, Portland, Oregon (aged 51)
Clive Charles was a pioneering figure in English football whose journey began in the heart of East London and extended across continents, leaving a legacy that transcended the pitch. Born in Dagenham, he was raised in nearby Canning Town. Charles grew up in a working-class family with Grenadian and English heritage. His early love for football was nurtured on the streets of London. His performances for England Schoolboys helped pave the way for his apprenticeship with West Ham United at age 15, where he joined a youth system that would shape the foundation of his professional career. At 17, he turned professional. His selection at England youth level reflected the promise he showed as a composed and technically gifted left-back, even before breaking into West Ham’s senior squad.
His senior first-team debut came on 21 March 1972 in a 1–1 draw against Coventry City at Highfield Road. Just days later, he featured in a historic match against Tottenham Hotspur, where West Ham became the first Football League side to field three Black players - Charles, Clyde Best, and Ade Coker - in the same starting XI. Though he made only 15 senior appearances for the club, his presence was symbolic and trailblazing, especially alongside his older brother John Charles, who had earlier broken ground as the first Black player to wear the Claret and Blue in a First Division match.
Charles was never able to call a first-team place his own owing to the fine form of Frank Lampard and John McDowell. The signing of Keith Coleman from Sunderland limited his prospects even further. Seeking more playing time, he spent two seasons on loan with Montreal Olympique in the North American Soccer League (NASL), earning All-Star honours both years.
He later joined Cardiff City, initially on loan which was made permanent on 31 May 1974, and captained the side. He went on to make 77 appearances, scoring 2 goals for the Bluebirds.
In 1978, Charles crossed the Atlantic permanently, signing with the Portland Timbers and helping propel them to the NASL semi-finals. His playing career continued in the indoor leagues with Pittsburgh Spirit and was a three-time NASL All-Star andselected to the all-time NASL Team by the legendary Pele. Charles ended his pro career in 1982 with the Los Angeles Lazers of the Major Indoor Soccer League, before retiring in 1983.
Charles’s post-playing life was defined by his extraordinary contributions to coaching and youth development in the United States. He began coaching at Reynolds High School in Oregon and soon took charge of the University of Portland’s men’s and women’s soccer teams. Over nearly two decades, he built a powerhouse program, mentoring future stars like Kasey Keller, Steve Cherundolo, Shannon MacMillan, and Tiffeny Milbrett.
His teams won 13 conference titles and made 20 NCAA tournament appearances, culminating in a national championship for the women’s team in 2002. Charles also coached the U.S. Under-23 men’s team to the semi-finals of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney - their best finish since 1904 - and served as an assistant for the senior national team.
Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2001, Charles continued coaching until his death in August 2003 at the age of 51. His legacy endures not only in the records and accolades but in the lives he touched and the barriers he helped break. From West Ham trailblazer to revered mentor in Portland, Clive Charles remains a figure of quiet strength, dignity, and lasting influence.
#519
DUDLEY TYLER
Born: 21 September 1944, Salisbury, Wiltshire
Signed: Hereford United
Date: 25 May 1972
Fee: £25,000
Debut: 12 August 1972, West Bromwich Albion (A)
Last game: 10 November 1973, Sheffield United (H)
Appearances: 34/1
Goals: 1
Transferred: Hereford United
Date: 28 November 1973
Fee: £15,000
Born in Salisbury, Wiltshire in 1944, Dudley Tyler was a nimble and skilful winger whose early promise was nearly extinguished by a childhood heart condition. Rejected by several clubs due to a hole in his heart, he was eventually plucked from obscurity by Hereford United’s manager John Charles in 1969. What followed was a meteoric rise that would etch Tyler’s name into FA Cup folklore.
At Hereford, Tyler became a key figure in a team that captured national attention during the 1971/72 FA Cup. The Bulls, then a non-league side, stunned top-flight Newcastle United in a legendary third-round replay at Edgar Street, winning 2–1 after a dramatic 2–2 draw at St James’ Park. Tyler’s performances during that cup run were electric, his pace and trickery on the wing made him a standout, and played a pivotal role in Hereford’s subsequent election to the Football League.
On 4 May 1972, the winger - who had caught West Ham’s eye with an exceptional display against them in the Bull’s subsequent round of the FA Cup and was invited at the end of the season to don a Claret and Blue shirt in a baptism of fire occasion against Millwall, in Harry Cripps’ benefit match at the Den. In a lively 6–3 victory for the Hammers, the hole-in-the-heart hero netted twice, further enhancing his reputation. Between his cup exploits and this guest appearance, the Southern League star had firmly earned his place in the spotlight when manager Ron Greenwood signed him for £25,000, a record fee for a non-league player at the time.
The winger made his First Division debut on 12 August 1972, featuring in a stalemate against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns. It didn’t take long for him to make his mark; a week later he opened his account in a lively 5–2 victory over Leicester City. His sole league goal for the Hammers came against none other than Peter Shilton - a modest but memorable highlight in what proved to be a fleeting spell at the top level.
Despite a promising start, Tyler’s time at Upton Park was short-lived. He lost his place to youngster Johnny Ayris and made just 29 league appearances over one-and-a-half seasons. In November 1973, he returned to Hereford United, now a Third Division side, where he would go on to make over 100 more league appearances, bringing his total competitive outings for the club to over 300. His second spell at Edgar Street cemented his status as a fan favourite, a player whose loyalty and flair resonated deeply with the supporters.
After retiring from professional football in 1977, Tyler continued to contribute to the game at the grassroots level. He joined Malvern Town as a player-manager, later taking on similar roles at Westfields and Pegasus Juniors in Hereford. Off the pitch, he worked as a salesman for a plastics company, but football remained close to his heart, occasionally lent his voice to BBC Hereford & Worcester as a co-commentator, his passion for the game undimmed.
From giant-killing glory to quiet leadership in non-league football, his legacy endures in the echoes of Edgar Street and the memories of those who witnessed his wing play in full flight.
#520
BERTIE LUTTON
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#521
TED MacDOUGALL
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#522
MERVYN DAY
Born: 26 June 1955, Chelmsford, Essex
Apprentice: 20 July 1971
Professional: 1 March 1973
Debut: 27 August 1973, Ipswich Town (H)
Last game: 10 February 1979, Sunderland (H)
Appearances: 237
Goals: 0
Transferred: Leyton Orient
Date: 12 July 1970
Fee: £100,000
International: England Under-23 (5 caps)
Individual honours: FA Cup Winner (1975),
PFA Young Player of the Year (1975),
FA Charity Shield Runner-up (1975),
European Cup Winners Cup Runner-up (1976)
In the storied history of West Ham United, few goalkeepers have made an impression quite like Mervyn Day. Born this day 26 June 1955 in Chelmsford, Essex, Day represented Essex Schools at all levels. At aged 15 West Ham United sent scouts to watch him and he joined the ground staff at Upton Park in the summer of 1970.
On 15 August 1970, he made his initial Claret and Blue appearance for manager John Dick’s South East Counties League side against Watford at their Eastbury Road enclosure. Progressed through the ranks to sign youth contract in July 1971, and put pen to paper on a professional contract with the Hammers on 1 March 1973.
Day quickly rose through the ranks to become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper by the age of 18. His breakthrough came in the 1973/74 season, making his first-team debut on 27 August 1973 between the sticks in the 3-3 draw with Ipswich Town at Upton Park.
In 1975, at just 19 years old, he became the second-youngest goalkeeper behind Leicester City’s Peter Shilton to play in an FA Cup Final, helping the Irons to a 2–0 victory over Fulham at Wembley. That same season, he was awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year - still the only goalkeeper to ever receive the honour.
His performances during this period were so commanding that many tipped him as a future England number one. Agile, composed, and fearless, Day was a fan favourite, known for his shot-stopping prowess and calm presence under pressure. Such was the impact this brilliant custodian made on breaking into the first XI prompted the normally reticent Ron Greenwood to declare: "This is the England goalkeeper for the next ten years."
However, football can be a cruel game. A dip in form and a series of injuries saw Day lose his place in the starting lineup to Bobby Ferguson and dropped further down the pecking order when Phil Parkes was bought from Queens Park Rangers. He never quite lived up to Greenwood’s heady expectation and his sad departure from Upton Park was not helped by media exposure, which seemed to blow up any little mistake out of all proportion.
On 12 July 1979, he joined east London neighbours Leyton Orient for an O’s club record £100,000 fee to take him to Brisbane Road, bringing to a close a six-year spell at Upton Park and 237 appearances between the sticks.
Though his time at West Ham ended earlier than many expected, Day’s career continued with distinction at clubs like Aston Villa and Leeds United, where he played a key role in their promotion to the First Division in 1990. He later transitioned into coaching and scouting, including a managerial stint at Carlisle United before taking up a coaching role with Alan Curbishley at Charlton Athletic.
In December 2006 Curbishley was appointed West Ham manager and Day joined him as his assistant at the Boleyn Ground. Later took up scouting roles with Leeds United and Brighton & Hove Albion, in July 2014 he was appointed head of recruitment at West Bromwich Albion where he stayed for a year. Day is now International Scout at Bristol City Football Club.
Mervyn Day’s legacy at West Ham is one of youthful brilliance and enduring admiration, his 1975 FA Cup triumph remains a golden chapter in the club’s history, and for many supporters, he will always be remembered as the teenage guardian who brought glory to the East End.
#523
KEITH COLEMAN
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#524
BOBBY GOULD
Born: 12 June 1946, Coventry
Signed: Bristol City
Date: 1 November 1973
Fee: £80,000
Debut: 24 November 1973, Arsenal (H)
Last game: 15 November 1975, Derby County (A)
Appearances: 57/5
Goals: 19
Transferred: Wolverhampton Wanderers
Date: 1 December 1975
Fee: £30,000
Individual honours: FA Cup Winner (1975),
FA Charity Shield Runner-up (1975)
Born in Coventry in 1946, Bobby Gould carved out a notable career as a footballer before transitioning into management. A hard-working striker, he began his professional career at Coventry City, where his goal-scoring prowess earned him a move to Arsenal in 1968. Despite flashes of brilliance, he struggled to cement a regular place in the Gunners' lineup.
Subsequent spells at Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion, and Bristol City showcased his ability to find the net, but it was his transfer to West Ham United in November 1973 for £80,000 that marked a significant chapter in his career.
At West Ham, Gould initially found himself competing for a starting spot. His debut came in a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Boleyn Ground on 24 November, replacing Clyde Best. However, with Pop Robson departing for Sunderland, Gould became a regular in the 1974/75 season, forming a three-man forward line alongside Keith Robson and Billy Jennings. He contributed nine league goals that season, along with four in cup competitions, including a hat-trick against Tranmere Rovers in the League Cup.
Gould played a crucial role in the early rounds of the FA Cup that season, scoring in the third-round victory over Southampton. However, it came at a considerable cost to the match-winner, who suffered a broken leg in a challenge by Saints striker Peter Osgood moments after his header had put the Irons into a two-goal lead.
As the tournament progressed, manager John Lyall opted for Alan Taylor in the latter stages, a decision that proved inspired as Taylor scored twice in the final against Fulham. Gould’s time at West Ham may not have been the most prolific in terms of goals, but his contributions to the 1975 FA Cup-winning squad cemented his place in the club’s history along with a winner’s medal as a non-playing substitute.
With Taylor’s emergence limiting his opportunities, Gould made just four league appearances in the following season before rejoining Wolves for £30,000 in December 1975. He later played for Bristol Rovers and Hereford United before transitioning into coaching roles.
Gould’s first taste of coaching came at Bristol Rovers, where he served as player-coach before taking charge of Norwegian side Aalesunds FK in 1978. He returned to England and had a brief spell as caretaker manager at Chelsea in 1981. Gould took the reins at Bristol Rovers in 1981 and later moved to Coventry City in 1983. His first spell at Coventry saw him guide the club to safety in the First Division, but he left in 1984. He returned to Bristol Rovers in 1985 for another two-year stint before moving on to Wimbledon and his most famous managerial achievement, leading the club to a stunning FA Cup victory in 1988, defeating Liverpool for one of the biggest upsets in English football history.
Gould managed West Bromwich Albion in 1991 before returning to Coventry City in 1992. His second spell at Coventry lasted until 1993. In 1995, he took charge of the Wales national team, overseeing their campaign until 1999, followed by brief managerial stints at Cardiff City (2000), Cheltenham Town (2003), and Weymouth (2009) before stepping away from full-time management.
#525
MICK McGIVEN
Born: 7 February 1951, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Signed: Sunderland
Date: 29 November 1973 (loan)
Date: 24 December 1973 (permanent)
Debut: 1 December 1973, Liverpool (A)
Last game: 8 October 1977,
Nottingham Forest (H)
Appearances: 53/3
Goals: 0
Retired: October 1977
Mick McGiven started his senior footballing career with Sunderland and had a good relationship with the Mackems who nicknamed him "Capper". The popular Geordie played 113 League games and scored 9 goals for the Roker Park club.
On 29 November 1973, manager Ron Greenwood signed the defender from the Black Cats on an initial one-month loan deal. McGiven had the toughest possible debut baptism on 1 December 1973 against Liverpool in a 1-0 defeat at Anfield, but came through with flying colours. The move was made permanent on Christmas Eve, with the Tyne and Wear club banking £20,000.
McGiven was a natural replacement for Bobby Moore when the West Ham captain departed for Fulham in March 1974 and inherited his iconic number six shirt and helped shore up the Hammers’ rearguard for the remainder of the season. Unfortunately for Capper his Hammers career was fraught with injuries and a serious cartilage problem kept him out for the whole of the the 1974/75 season, in which West Ham won the FA Cup.
The defender made only a handful of first team appearances over the following three seasons as his opportunities were limited due to Tommy Taylor and Kevin Lock establishing themselves as a first-choice central defensive pairing. In total, McGiven made fifty-six first team appearances, but his injury eventually curtailed his playing career in October 1977, he joined John Lyall’s coaching staff at the club, initially as player coach for the reserves and progressing to first team coach.
Following West Ham’s relegation to the Second Division in May 1989, and Lyall’s subsequent sacking. McGiven was clearly disillusioned with the new regime at Upton Park under new manager Lou Macari. Chelsea, managed by Bobby Campbell were quick to snap up his services as youth team coach, but his stay in west London was brief, before he once again reunited with Lyall when he became Ipswich Town manager in 1990, helping them to Premier League as Second Division champions in 1992.
By the end of 1994 Lyall had resigned his position at Portman Road and McGiven the opportunity to return to west Lond with Chelsea where he has performed a variety of roles with the reserves and first-team, including a match observer and scout for the Stamford Bridge club. After nearly six decades in football, first as player, then as a coach and opposition scout, McGiven retired from football in November 2018.
#526
GRAHAM PADDON
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#527
ALAN WOOLER
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