Anton Ferdinand has revealed how proud he was to have met
John Lyall for the one and only time a few months ago.
Following the tragic news that our legendary former manager died suddenly on Tuesday evening, the homegrown Hammers defender made a point today of paying his respects to a man who had such a profound effect on the development of young players at Upton Park - a legacy that remains to this day.
"I was really sad to hear the news," says Anton. "Obviously I didn't know John Lyall very well but he is a legend at West Ham United and, as someone who grew up here through the youth ranks, I knew about him and what he achieved at the Club.
"I actually met him for the first and only time a few months ago, at the funeral of Ian Jackson, who worked at the training ground, and he came up to me and introduced himself. I knew who he was anyway, but it was a pleasure to meet him face to face.
"He told me how pleased he was that I had come through the youth team to play in the Premiership and advised me that if I kept working hard, the rewards would come. It was nice, because he didn't have to come and say that, and it meant a lot to me."
Anton also insists that the sad news will have a galvanising effect on players, supporters and everyone connected with the Club ahead of our FA Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough on Sunday.
"I definitely think it will spur everyone on even more to make sure we get through to the final," he says. "It will obviously be an emotional day for the supporters, and the lads in the team who don't know about John Lyall will certainly get an insight into what he meant to the Club.
"He was probably the greatest manager in West Ham United's history, and it would be fitting if we could win the FA Cup in his memory. I know the fans will be desperate for us to do that, and we will be giving it our very best on Sunday."
Following the tragic news that our legendary former manager died suddenly on Tuesday evening, the homegrown Hammers defender made a point today of paying his respects to a man who had such a profound effect on the development of young players at Upton Park - a legacy that remains to this day.
"I was really sad to hear the news," says Anton. "Obviously I didn't know John Lyall very well but he is a legend at West Ham United and, as someone who grew up here through the youth ranks, I knew about him and what he achieved at the Club.
"I actually met him for the first and only time a few months ago, at the funeral of Ian Jackson, who worked at the training ground, and he came up to me and introduced himself. I knew who he was anyway, but it was a pleasure to meet him face to face.
"He told me how pleased he was that I had come through the youth team to play in the Premiership and advised me that if I kept working hard, the rewards would come. It was nice, because he didn't have to come and say that, and it meant a lot to me."
Anton also insists that the sad news will have a galvanising effect on players, supporters and everyone connected with the Club ahead of our FA Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough on Sunday.
"I definitely think it will spur everyone on even more to make sure we get through to the final," he says. "It will obviously be an emotional day for the supporters, and the lads in the team who don't know about John Lyall will certainly get an insight into what he meant to the Club.
"He was probably the greatest manager in West Ham United's history, and it would be fitting if we could win the FA Cup in his memory. I know the fans will be desperate for us to do that, and we will be giving it our very best on Sunday."