David Rick

Cheers to...David Rick

Country: Spain


How long have you been a Hammer? My first real memory of watching West Ham was the 1975 FA Cup Final v Fulham. Having an older brother who was a Hammers fan helped me get into supporting the team but he didn't go to matches so I had to wait until I was older to visit Upton Park. Once a Hammer, always a Hammer.


What is your first memory of West Ham United? As above, the 1975 final but I was probably a bit too young to have specific memories. A few years later, I remember listening to our FA Cup semi final v Everton (the replay) on the radio when I was on a school trip to France. Nobody else was interested so I was listening to the radio under the blanket of my bed. Frank Lampard scoring in extra time was incredible.


What is your favourite memory? It has to be the semi final loss against Notts Forest in 1991. I was the only one of my friends to get a ticket and drove up to Birmingham on my own. Never been to Villa Park before so left early and parked up and entered the ground a long time before kick off. It felt odd to be at such a key match so early and not having had a beer! Anyway, we all know what happened on the pitch. For me, the memory is the crowd and the singing. I have never experienced anything like it and I doubt I ever will. The atmosphere among the WHU fans was incredible - the hairs on the back of my neck still go up as soon as I think about this match.


Favourite player, past or present? How on earth do you choose - having seen so many talented players over the years. Personally, I used to love Mark Ward steaming down the right wing. I'd rather choose a player that is not going to be popular than going for an obvious choice such as Devo or the like. Currently, my favourite player has to be Antonio - coming from non league and being able to mix it in the Premier League gives everyone hope that things can be done.