Lewis passes away

Former West Ham United forward Eddie Lewis has died in Johannesburg at the age of 76.

The Manchester-born attacker scored 15 goals in 36 appearances between 1956 and 1958, playing a key role as the Hammers ultimately returned to the top flight ahead of the club's golden age in the 60s. Having helped West Ham to promotion, he did the same for Leyton Orient when they reached the top flight in 1962.

A former 'Busby Babe' at Manchester United, he had moved to east London from Preston North End in an exchange deal that saw Frank O'Farrell move in the other direction. Lewis later played for Folkestone Town and managed Ford Sports in the Greater London League. He then emigrated to South Africa and spent the last four decades in the country.

Hugely respected in his adopted country, which also became home to Johnny Byrne, Johnny Sissons and Andy Malcolm, Lewis was a well-known TV pundit and was involved with several different clubs. His work also took him to the 1998 FIFA World Cup with the national team, as well as two CAF African Cup of Nations tournaments.

The club would like to send their condolences to his family and friends.