- West Ham United legends invited to tour the Club's new London Stadium home
- Greats given personal introduction by Vice-Chairman Karren Brady
- FA Cup winners, Academy graduates and descendants of Club heroes in attendance
West Ham Vice-Chairman Karren Brady today welcomed players involved in the Club’s greatest triumphs – and the families of other West Ham legends – to the luxurious Club London hospitality facilities in the West Stand of the new Stadium, to show them how their achievements for West Ham are being commemorated within its walls.
Attendees included 1964 FA Cup winners Peter Brabrook, Jack Burkett and Eddie Bovington, 1975 FA Cup heroes, Alan Taylor and Pat Holland, 1980 winners Phil Parkes, Alan Devonshire and Geoff Pike and the goal-scoring spearhead of The Boys of ’86, Tony Cottee.
Also among the honoured guests were close relatives of Club legends Bobby Moore and John Lyall Academy pioneer Ted Fenton, the much-missed Dylan Tombides and the goal-scoring hero of West Ham’s 1965 European Cup Winners’ Cup triumph, Alan Sealey.
In her welcoming speech, the Vice-Chairman Brady told the assembled guests how essential it was that the feats of all those present, and all who have been lost, were remembered for generations to come.
“For us, it was imperative that we used this spectacular space to celebrate West Ham’s glorious heritage and history, and the legends who have made their indelible mark on the Club,” she explained. “In doing so, we pay homage to the rich roots of our famous Football Club and ensure that your distinguished service is forever honoured at the home of West Ham United."
A reception for the guests was held in The Arnold Hills, named in honour of the visionary figure who founded Thames Ironworks Football Club back in 1895, and Ms Brady was especially pleased to welcome a number of his descendants to be present.
“For us, it was imperative that we used this spectacular space to celebrate West Ham’s glorious heritage and history, and the legends who have made their indelible mark on the Club,” she explained. “In doing so, we pay homage to the rich roots of our famous Football Club and ensure that your distinguished service is forever honoured at the home of West Ham United."
A reception for the guests was held in The Arnold Hills, named in honour of the visionary figure who founded Thames Ironworks Football Club back in 1895, and Ms Brady was especially pleased to welcome a number of his descendants to be present.
“I think Mr Hills would be very proud of his legacy”, the Vice-Chairman said, “and I would like to think he would be proud of the Club today. He told his players to put in every ounce of effort on the pitch, and for me, my Chairmen and my staff, that is our philosophy off the pitch as well.
“That is the attitude we showed in our determined quest to be chosen to make this iconic Stadium our home. And that is the attitude we have shown in striving to turn it into one of the very best in world football; a Stadium made to match the ambitions of our fantastic and loyal supporters.
“But before they see it for the first time, we were absolutely determined that as many of you as possible should have the opportunity to come and see the Stadium and Club London for yourselves. My goal was for us to offer a luxury experience here that will rival the very best hospitality facilities in world sport, and I hope you will agree it looks the part.
“And for me, Club London also symbolises our journey as a Football Club. It is cutting-edge, it is dynamic. It’s world-class. It is the symbol of a Club that is moving forward at pace, with ambitions to compete at the very top of European football.
“But look at the legendary figures and historic moments commemorated on these walls and you can also see that we are a Club which will always remain proud of our heritage, true to our roots and dedicated to doing the best for our fans.”
West Ham supporters who want to see Club London for themselves, visit the players' new changing rooms, and see all the other behind-the-scenes attractions at the London Stadium can sign up for a Stadium tour here. Tours will begin from 12 August and – given already very high demand – we would urge fans to sign up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
“That is the attitude we showed in our determined quest to be chosen to make this iconic Stadium our home. And that is the attitude we have shown in striving to turn it into one of the very best in world football; a Stadium made to match the ambitions of our fantastic and loyal supporters.
“But before they see it for the first time, we were absolutely determined that as many of you as possible should have the opportunity to come and see the Stadium and Club London for yourselves. My goal was for us to offer a luxury experience here that will rival the very best hospitality facilities in world sport, and I hope you will agree it looks the part.
“And for me, Club London also symbolises our journey as a Football Club. It is cutting-edge, it is dynamic. It’s world-class. It is the symbol of a Club that is moving forward at pace, with ambitions to compete at the very top of European football.
“But look at the legendary figures and historic moments commemorated on these walls and you can also see that we are a Club which will always remain proud of our heritage, true to our roots and dedicated to doing the best for our fans.”
West Ham supporters who want to see Club London for themselves, visit the players' new changing rooms, and see all the other behind-the-scenes attractions at the London Stadium can sign up for a Stadium tour here. Tours will begin from 12 August and – given already very high demand – we would urge fans to sign up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.