John Lyall has been recognised on Sunday in a special service at the Boleyn Ground with the unveiling of a Heritage Foundation blue plaque.
Club legends including Sir Geoff Hurst, Sir Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds were present for the morning ceremony - which featured Bubbles being played in tribute by a lone piper - along with the former manager's family. Pictured right are his wife Yvonne, son Murray and daughter-in-law Samantha, along with his grandchildren Scott, Charlie and Sam.
The prestigious plaque has joined ones already in place for Lyall's mentor Ron Greenwood and Bobby Moore. Lyall served the club to distinction for 34 years from schoolboy to player to manager and oversaw two FA Cup triumphs as well as the club's best-ever league season in 1985/86. After a retirement in Suffolk, he died suddenly in April 2006 aged only 66.
Following the unveiling there was a tribute lunch, hosted by Rick Wakeman and also featuring Heritage Foundation President Robin Gibb and former England manager Terry Venables. whufc.com will have full reaction from Monday from the distinguished gathered guests, more photos and video coverage of a special day at the Boleyn Ground.
Back row (left to right): Alvin Martin, Billy Bonds, Bobby Barnes, Alan Devonshire, Murray Lyall, Scott Lyall, Samantha Lyall, Phil Parkes, Yvonne Lyall, Stuart Slater, Chris Kiwomya, Tony Gale, Frank McAvennie, Mick McGiven, David Cross, Ray Stewart, Terry Venables
Front row: (left to right): Pat Holland, Sir Trevor Brooking, RIck Wakeman, Martin Peters, Sir Geoff Hurst, Sam Lyall, Rob Jenkins, Charlie Lyall, Tony Cottee, Frank Lampard, Robin Gibb