18 Players Who Rocked The Boleyn: West Ham United’s Finest
West Ham United have seen some fine players over the years, from the early days of Puddefoot and Watson to Payet and Antonio today, Hammers fans have been treated with truly gifted players throughout the clubs’ history.
In my last article of 2016, I look at my greatest all time West Ham United team, with a starting XI and a seven man substitute’s bench. In addition, I give an honourable mention to some players who might easily get into someone’s else’s team.
GK- Ludek Miklosko
1990–1998
374 Appearances/0 goals
Hammer Of The Year 1991
Previous Club — Banik Ostrava (CZE)
Next Club — Queens Park Rangers (ENG)
Other Clubs — RH Cheb (CZE)
Perhaps the hardest spot in the team to select a player for is in between the sticks, where West Ham have had some truly outstanding goalkeepers over the years. To think, the club could’ve had Gordon Banks many years ago, however having a gentleman’s agreement to sign Bobby Ferguson from Kilmarnock, Ron Greenwood turned the deal down. Miklosko, who despite what the song says came from nowhere near Moscow, spent eight years between the sticks replacing fan favourite Phil Parkes. “Big Boy” as he was affectionately known, was a fine shot stopper renowned for acrobatic saves. The Czech’s finest moment came at the end of the 1994–1995 as he kept a clean sheet as West Ham held Man Utd to a 0–0 draw to deny them a third consecutive title on the last day of the season, Ludo making a serious of fine saves. Worked as a goalkeeper coach for the club for many years, before a back injury forced him to quit. Supporters continue to sing his name at matches.
RB- Billy Bonds ©
1967–1988
799 Appearances/61 Goals
Hammer Of The Year 1971, 1974, 1975, 1987
Captain 1974–1984
FA Cup Winner 1975, 1980
Previous Club — Charlton Athletic (ENG)
Next Club — Retired
Other Clubs- None
Probably West Ham United’s greatest ever player. The club’s most capped player is the captain of this dream team, capable of playing across the back or in defensive midfield, “Bonzo” starts at right back in this team. It still isn’t clear how he and Aston Villa’s European Cup Winner Denis Mortimer never played for England. Bonds, later made an MBE, was known for his tough never say die attitude and his classy attitude. Bonds’s tackling was some of the finest ever seen in the English game, he famously went in hard but fair on Chelsea’s Ron “Chopper” Harris, whose tackle had effectively ended the career of Johnny Ayris the season before. Bonds continued playing into his forties, winning Hammer Of The Year in 1987, just a few months shy of his 41st birthday. He had spent the entire season previous out injured as West Ham just missed out and what would’ve been their first and only English top flight Championship win. We will never know if we could’ve won the title with him fully fit, but it’s an interesting question. Above all, Bonds representing what it meant to be West Ham more than anyone, playing with pride, something he did nearly 800 times. The crowd went dead silent when he was interviewed pitch side in the 3–3 draw against Arsenal in the 2015–16 season, showing just how much the fans still respect their hero. Managed West Ham for four years and registered the current best overall win percentage of West Ham’s permanent managers.
CB- Bobby Moore
1958–1974
642 Appearances/27 goals
Hammer Of The Year 1961, 1963, 1968, 1970
Captain 1962–1974
FA Cup Winner 1964
European Cup Winner’s Cup Winner 1965
Previous Club- Academy
Next Club- Fulham (ENG)
Other Clubs — San Antonio Thunder (loan) (USA), Seattle Sounders (USA), Herning Fremad (DEN), Carolina Lightnin’ (USA)
Easily, the club’s most iconic player. The only England captain to win the World Cup. Captained the side during their arguably most successful period, during the mid 1960s. Was for a long time, England’s most capped player and most capped outfield player with 108 caps, later overtaken by Peter Shilton for the former record and David Beckham for the latter. Moore was described alongside German Franz Beckenbauer as the best defender he ever played against by Brazil legend Pele. Moore was a good reader of the game, his tackle on Jairzinho in the 1970 World Cup has been widely considered the greatest tackle in history, as he read the attacker brilliantly. Moore was however shamefully treated by the club after his departure and found it difficult to find employment apart from as an analyst on Capital Gold. Moore passed away on 24th February 1993, aged just 51 from bowel cancer.
CB- Alvin Martin
1976–1996
596 Appearances/34 goals
Hammer Of The Year 1980, 1982, 1983
Captain 1984–1990
FA Cup Winner 1980
Previous Club — Academy
Next Club- Leyton Orient (ENG)
Other Clubs — None
The no nonsense Scouse defender joined the club as a schoolboy and left as a legend. Martin had big boots to fill having replaced Billy Bonds as captain in 1980, who himself had replaced the great Bobby Moore. Yet, Martin did not disappoint, proving himself to be a fine leader and captaining the side in their greatest ever league season in 1985–1986. That season he famously scored a hat-trick in an 8–1 victory over Newcastle, scoring each goal against a different goalkeeper. Alongside, Bonds, he is one of just two West Ham players to have been awarded two testimonials by the club.
LB- Julian Dicks
1988–1993, 1994–1999
326 Appearances/65 goals
Hammer Of The Year 1990, 1992, 1996, 1997
Captain 1992–1993, 1996–1997
Previous Club- Birmingham City (ENG), Liverpool (ENG)
Next Club- Liverpool (ENG), Canvey Island (ENG)
Other Clubs- None
Bristol born Dicks spent two spells in East London. Known for a tough tackling attitude which led to him being nicknamed “The Terminator”. In addition, Dicks had an absolute thunderbolt of a left foot, and become known for scoring long range efforts and penalties, famously equalising in a 2–2 draw with Manchester United with a penalty hit so hard, it is often joked that if Peter Schmeichel had managed to save it, it would have blown his arm clean off. He could be accused of being a little overzealous at times, and this may have prevented him from getting an England call-up, but still he entertained the crowd with his performances. Returned to the club in 2011 to manage the ladies’ team and is currently a first team coach.
RM- Trevor Brooking
1967–1984
643 Appearances/102 goals
Hammer Of The Year 1972, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1984
FA Cup Winner 1975, 1980
Previous Club — Academy
Next Club- Newcastle Blue Star (ENG)
Other Clubs- Cork City (ROI)
Alongside Bobby Moore, Sir Trevor Brooking is just one of two West Ham players to have a stand named after them. Famously scored a diving header to win the 1980 FA Cup Final against London rivals Arsenal. Would’ve been a one club man had it not been for him making an appearance apiece for non league Newcastle Blue Star and Irish club Cork City. Brooking was known for being a very creative and clever player. Comfortable on both feet, Brooking would control games form the midfield of the pitch. Early on his career, he was lightweight but showed the dedication to become a mainstay in the side for well over a decade. Capped 47 times for England, Brooking later joined the FA as Director of Football Development. Become caretaker manager in 2003, following a brain tumour to Glenn Roeder, but despite winning two and drawing one of his three games in change, the club were relegated, returned as caretaker following Roeder’s sacking and lost just one game before being replaced by Alan Pardew.
CM- Scott Parker
2007–2011
129 Appearances/12 goals
Hammer Of The Year 2009, 2010, 2011
Previous Club- Newcastle United (ENG)
Next Club- Tottenham Hotspur (ENG)
Other Clubs — Charlton Athletic (ENG), Norwich City (loan), Chelsea (ENG), Fulham (ENG)
Scott Parker was easily West Ham’s greatest player of the 2000s. Despite spending just four years at The Boleyn Ground, Parker won Hammer Of The Year three times. He was named Football Writer’s Player Of The Year in 2011 despite West Ham United finishing bottom of the Premier League, in a season in which he won back a place in the England squad and established himself as first choice. Parker was a complete midfielder, capable of fine tackling, movement and passing. Scored several important goals, notably a winner in a a 3–2 win over Wigan Athletic to ensure survival in 2010. Whilst he was not able to prevent relegation a year later, Parker was always perceived to be the one player capable of keeping the club up, as he had done single handedly, the year before. His leadership skills were demonstrated as he inspired a fightback from 3–0 down to a 3–3 draw away at West Bromwich Albion. Despite, only being vice-captain, “Super Scott” was described as captain almost constantly by the media. Ruined his legacy somewhat in the Championship, where he played four games and scored in a 4–0 win at Watford before joining Tottenham, being accused of playing halfheartedly to avoid injury with a move imminent, however as during the previous two seasons, most of his teammates played halfheartedly, you can’t really blame him. Had a strong first season at Spurs, before an injury hit second, currently in his fourth season at Fulham in the second tier.
CM- Martin Peters
1961–1970
364 Appearances/100 goals
Hammer Of The Year 1965
FA Cup Winner 1964
European Cup Winner’s Cup Winner 1965
Previous Club- Academy
Next Club — Tottenham Hotspur (ENG)
Other Clubs- Norwich City (ENG), Sheffield United (ENG), Gorleston (ENG)
Player of the year in the season West Ham became Champions of Europe. Peters scored in the 1966 World Cup Final, lifting the Jules Rimet alongside Moore and Geoff Hurst. Peters had strong vision and passing, and was a creative central midfielder, complementing Parker’s terrier style of play. Scored 100 goals for the club from central midfield. Sadly Peters is currently suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease.
LM- Alan Devonshire
1976–1990
448 Appearances/32 goals
Hammer Of The Year — 1979
FA Cup Winner 1980
Previous Club- Southall (ENG)
Next Club- Watford (ENG)
Other Clubs- None
Famous for his moustache, Devonshire was the left sided equivalent of Trevor Brooking. A very creative player, “Devo” captured the imagination of many West Ham supporters, with mazy runs down the wing. Signed for a small fee from part timers Southall, Devonshire would spend 14 years at the club, picking up eight England caps, before playing his final game in a soul crushing 6–0 defeat at Oldham in the League Cup semi final, after his final seasons were dogged by injuries. Has since become a manager in the lower leagues.
FW- Paolo Di Canio
1999–2003
141 Appearances/51 goals
Hammer Of The Year 2000
Captain 2001–2003
Previous Club — Sheffield Wednesday (ENG)
Next Club- Charlton Atheltic (ENG)
Other Clubs- Lazio (ITA), Ternana (loan) (ITA), Juventus (ITA), Napoli (ITA), AC Milan (ITA), Celtic (SCO), Lazio (ITA), Cisco Roma (ITA)
The controversial Italian joined the club having been disgraced after an 8 game ban for striking a referee. Despite playing for some of Italy’s biggest clubs, it was West Ham where the striker shone. A skillful creative player, who above all was an entertainer, capable of doing amazing things with the ball. Despite sometimes being perceived as going missing, Di Canio always produced when it mattered. Notably, scored an important winner against Chelsea in May 2003, one of many crackers he scored against Chelsea. Famously, knocked out Manchester United of the FA Cup with a clever winner, after Barthez stopped claiming the goal was offside. Two moments stand out, however, catching the ball against Everton so goalkeeper Paul Gerrard could receive treatment and his goal of the season against Wimbledon in 2000. He has a West Ham tattoo and has often spoken of his desire to return to manage the club. Perhaps, his eccentricity would make this really difficulty, and in his past managerial jobs, he has fallen out with key players, however Di Canio was one of those special players who understood what it meant to be West Ham, play with pride and give your all.
FW- Vic Watson
1920–1935
505 Appearances/326 goals
Previous Club — Wellingborough Town (ENG)
Next Club — Southampton (ENG)
Other Clubs- None
The club’s top goalscorer. The only member of the starting line-up not to win a Hammer Of The Year, though to be fair, the award wasn’t given out during his time. Scored six goals in one match against Leeds in February 1929, scoring 13 hat-tricks in his 15 seasons at the club. Scored four times in five games for England, passed away in his hometown of Girton in 1988, aged 90 years old.
SUB- Phil Parkes
1979–1990
440 Appearances/0 goals
Hammer Of The Year 1981
FA Cup Winner 1980
Previous Club- Queens Park Rangers (ENG)
Next Club- Ipswish Town (ENG)
Other Clubs — Walsall (ENG)
The most expensive goalkeeper in the world, when he was signed from West London club Queens Park Rangers. Won the FA Cup in his first season, making several fine saves in the final against Arsenal. Holds the record for the most consecutive clean sheets as well. Recommended the singing of current first choice goalkeeper Darren Randolph.
SUB- Steve Potts
1985–2002
506 Appearances/1 goal
Hammer Of The Year 1993, 1995
Captain 1993–1996
Previous Club- Academy
Next Club- Dagenham & Redbridge (ENG)
Other Clubs — None
Current Development Squad manager, the Connecticut born defender spent 17 seasons as a first team squad member. Whilst he never grabbed major headlines, Potts went about his business in a quiet, professional manner and was a valued member of the squad. Scored just one goal for the club, a long range effort in a 7–1 victory over Hull City.
SUB- Rio Ferdinand
1996–2000
158 Appearances/2 goals
Hammer Of The Year 1998
Previous Club- Academy
Next Club- Leeds United (ENG)
Other Clubs — AFC Bournemouth (loan) (ENG), Manchester United (ENG), Queens Park Rangers (ENG)
The recently retired central defender was perhaps the greatest of West Ham’s Academy graduates of the 1990s. The long term replacement for Alvin Martin, making his debut replacing him as a substitute on the Liverpudlian’s final game. Ferdinand would become West Ham’s record sale when he signed for Leeds United for £18,000,000 in November 2000, a world record fee for a defender. Ferdinand, never had to make many tackles, as he read the game expertly, so he didn’t have to. This led Manchester United to spend £30,000,0000 on him in the summer of 2002. Later, an England captain, Ferdinand always received a warm welcome at The Boleyn Ground. Went on to win six Premier League titles and a Champions League.
SUB- Ray Stewart
1979–1991
432 Appearances/84 goals
FA Cup Winner 1980
Previous Club — Dundee United (SCO)
Next Club- St. Johnstone (SCO)
Other Clubs- Stirling Albion (SCO)
Nickamed “Tonka” the Scotsman was the only non English player in all three FA Cup Winning squads. All but six of his 84 goals for the club came from the penalty spot, converting 78 out of 86 taken. His nickname came from a popular band of toys, which were described by the makers as “indestructible”, which tells you all you need to about his playing style. Despite being on the bench, he will be subbed on to see out leads and for penalty shootouts.
SUB- Dmitri Payet
2015-present
57 Appearances/15 goals (as of 30th December 2016)
Hammer Of The Year 2016
Previous Club- Olympique de Marseilles (FRA)
Next Club- Currently at The Club
Other Clubs- AS Excelsior (REU), Nantes Atlantique (FRA), Saint Etienne (FRA), Lille Metropole (FRA)
The reigning Hammer of The Year is the only current player in the squad. Perhaps the most talented player ever to wear the shirt, he became the first West Ham player in over four decades to be nominated for the World Player of The Year in 2016, finishing 17th in the final rankings. A relative unknown when he signed in the 2015, the Reunion born midfielder finished a stellar debut season in the Team of The Year, established himself as one of the most creative players in Europe and an excellent free kick taker, something which he has continued to do in his second season, although less consistently. Was France’s best player at the 2016 European Championships and another strong end to the season could see him in the starting line-up.
SUB- Tony Cottee
1982–1988, 1994–1996
336 Appearances/146 goals
Hammer Of The Year 1986
Previous Club- Academy, Everton (ENG)
Next Club- Everton (ENG), Selangor (MAL)
Other Clubs- Leicester City (ENG), Birmingham City (loan) (ENG), Barnet (ENG), Millwall (ENG)
The only player to play in all four divisions of professional English football in one league season. Cottee spent two stints at the club with a spell at Everton sandwiched in between. Though it his first spell that he is most remembered for. Scored on his debut against Tottenham Hotspur in a 3–0 win. In the 1985–86 season, he formed a formidable partnership with Frank McAvennie that nearly led to a league championship. A classic fox-in-the-box, Cottee scored 146 goals for the club.
SUB- Geoff Hurst
1958–1972
503 Appearances/249 goals
Hammer Of The Year 1966, 1967, 1969
FA Cup Winner 1964
European Cup Winners’ Cup Winner 1965
Previous Club- Academy
Next Club- Stoke City (ENG)
Other Clubs- Cape Town City (loan) (RSA), West Bromwich Albion (ENG), Cork Celtic (ROI), Seatlle Sounders (USA)
Since knighted for his services to football, Sir Geoff Hurst started his career as an average midfielder playing for the youth and reserve sides, a move to centre forward was to prove a revelation, with Hurst netting more than 200 goals for the club. A complete forward, he is best known for scoring a hat-trick as England beat West Germany 4–2 in the World Cup Final in 1966. Like Vic Watson, before him notched a double hat-trick in a 8–0 victory over Sunderland, in the corresponding fixture at Roker Park, earlier in the season, Brian Dear hit five.
Joint Managers — Ron Greenwood and John Lyall
Pictured above together with Billy Bonds, Ron Greenwood and John Lyall between them gave West Ham all their major trophies. The two men helped install the club’s identity and traditions, playing with pride, giving your all, representing the community and playing football the right way. As mentioned before, Greenwood turned the opportunity to sign Gordon Banks as he felt it not right to back out of an already verbally agreed deal. Ipswich legend Kevin Beattie, once said he visited Lyall’s office after the latter was named manager at the club. Beattie found Lyall painting the skirting board himself, you wouldn’t find any managers doing that nowadays. Sadly, both passed away in 2006. In an emotional FA Cup semi-final against Middlesborough, West Ham fans broke the minutes’s silence in Lyall’s memory and sang “Johnny Lyall’s Claret & Blue Army” instead, the moving tribute is linked below (DISCLAIMER: The video does contain flickering images but unfortunately this was the best I could find).
Honourable Mentions — Clyde Best, Ronnie Boyce, Peter Brabrook, Joe Cole, John Dick, Alan Dickens, Tony Gale, Peter Gregory, Frank Lampard Senior, Frank McAvennie, Mark Noble, Syd Puddefoot, Pop Robson, Alan Sealey, John Sissons, Jim Standen.