Reserve team coach Steve Brown has spoken about his
exploits between the sticks after Alan Curbishley revealed that it
was the former Charlton Athletic defender who stepped into the
breech for him on the only other occasion he didn't name a
substitute goalkeeper.
The fact came to light at the weekend, when Hammers lined up without a back-up keeper on the bench for the first time since the five-substitute rule came into play, ahead of our vital 1-0 victory over Everton at Upton Park.
It was only the second time that Curbs had taken such a gamble, and the first came back in May 1999, when his Charlton side were facing Aston Villa. After goalkeeper Andy Petterson had been sent off, it was our current reserve coach who was asked to don the gloves, and then made a number of crucial saves as the Addicks ran out 4-3 winners.
Speaking at the time, Steve's former Charlton team-mate, Mark Kinsella said: "Brownie came on with his socks rolled down, looking a right mess! But we all knew about his ability in goal and were more worried by the fact we only had 10 men left."
Recalling the moment, Steve said: "It was not the first time for me in goal, actually. I had gone in a couple of other matches over the years, against Manchester City and Southampton if I remember rightly.
"But yes, the one with Aston Villa was the one that stands out. As soon as Andy had been sent off, the gaffer asked me and I said yes, no problem. I was quite pleased with myself, there was a dangerous cross and I got my hands to that well and a few corners as well, and I enjoyed it!
"I think I was asked simply because I was this big centre-half, but I didn't make any mistakes and as I said, the game was won and I had played my part!"
Current Hammers keeper Jimmy Walker always talks about the "Goalkeepers' Union", so does Steve feel he has done enough to be part of this, now that his goalkeeping skills have been exposed?
"Oh yes, definitely - they'll have to let me in! I was doing a training session with Rob (Green), Roy (Carroll) and Jimmy recently and I think they were quietly surprised at my prowess in goal, but they probably won't admit it!
"If the gaffer asks me now, I would still have a go," jokes Steve. "I might be a bit older now, perhaps not as fast and quick as I once was, but I still think I could do a job…although I don't think I will be risked against Wigan!"
By Laura Burkin
The fact came to light at the weekend, when Hammers lined up without a back-up keeper on the bench for the first time since the five-substitute rule came into play, ahead of our vital 1-0 victory over Everton at Upton Park.
It was only the second time that Curbs had taken such a gamble, and the first came back in May 1999, when his Charlton side were facing Aston Villa. After goalkeeper Andy Petterson had been sent off, it was our current reserve coach who was asked to don the gloves, and then made a number of crucial saves as the Addicks ran out 4-3 winners.
Speaking at the time, Steve's former Charlton team-mate, Mark Kinsella said: "Brownie came on with his socks rolled down, looking a right mess! But we all knew about his ability in goal and were more worried by the fact we only had 10 men left."
Recalling the moment, Steve said: "It was not the first time for me in goal, actually. I had gone in a couple of other matches over the years, against Manchester City and Southampton if I remember rightly.
"But yes, the one with Aston Villa was the one that stands out. As soon as Andy had been sent off, the gaffer asked me and I said yes, no problem. I was quite pleased with myself, there was a dangerous cross and I got my hands to that well and a few corners as well, and I enjoyed it!
"I think I was asked simply because I was this big centre-half, but I didn't make any mistakes and as I said, the game was won and I had played my part!"
Current Hammers keeper Jimmy Walker always talks about the "Goalkeepers' Union", so does Steve feel he has done enough to be part of this, now that his goalkeeping skills have been exposed?
"Oh yes, definitely - they'll have to let me in! I was doing a training session with Rob (Green), Roy (Carroll) and Jimmy recently and I think they were quietly surprised at my prowess in goal, but they probably won't admit it!
"If the gaffer asks me now, I would still have a go," jokes Steve. "I might be a bit older now, perhaps not as fast and quick as I once was, but I still think I could do a job…although I don't think I will be risked against Wigan!"
By Laura Burkin