Paolo Di Canio and Trevor Sinclair reminisce over the finest strike in the 112-year history of the Boleyn Ground
On 26 March 2000, Trevor Sinclair crossed from the right and Paolo Di Canio scored in a 2-1 Premier League win over Wimbledon at the Boleyn Ground.
What that description does not reveal is that the England winger’s 40-yard diagonal pass was volleyed past Neil Sullivan by a sensational Di Canio scissor-kick.
Of the thousands of goals scored at the historic home of West Ham United, it has been picked as the best – the very best – ever! Here, the two protagonists recall the day they made Hammers history…
Trevor Sinclair: I played a small part [in the goal], it was a bit of a shank…
Paolo Di Canio: No, it was a big part!
TS: What happened after that was absolutely mind-blowing and the celebration wasn’t bad either. I think the fans still appreciate what Paolo did on that day.
PDC: Trevor, it’s not true! He played a big part because his delivery was absolutely fantastic, otherwise I could not have kicked the ball in this manner. I remember Mark Kennedy from Wimbledon was there. To be honest, I don’t know how it happened. We used to try things in training, but normally from the middle of the goal. From a wide area, it was really, really difficult. I need to thank Trevor and God, because just for one goal, it was a magical moment, even though it wasn’t in a Champions League final! Thanks to Trevor and all the fans as we celebrated together.
TS: This goal has been voted the greatest ever to be scored at the Boleyn Ground. We’ve only got a few games left here, and of all the players who have played here, including some of the 1966 World Cup winners, your goal was voted the best.
PDC: Trevor, the history in this ground is incredible. Just now, I have realised that it was voted the best goal ever in this ground and in this ground’s history. I couldn’t imagine the people from young to old gave their vote to my goal. People can remember me and my goal for the rest of their live. It’s a great honour and privilege and I hope West Ham win all the final games…but my goal remains the best!
TS: We just hope that Paolo’s goal inspires the future players for West Ham in the new stadium in years to come!
What that description does not reveal is that the England winger’s 40-yard diagonal pass was volleyed past Neil Sullivan by a sensational Di Canio scissor-kick.
Of the thousands of goals scored at the historic home of West Ham United, it has been picked as the best – the very best – ever! Here, the two protagonists recall the day they made Hammers history…
Trevor Sinclair: I played a small part [in the goal], it was a bit of a shank…
Paolo Di Canio: No, it was a big part!
TS: What happened after that was absolutely mind-blowing and the celebration wasn’t bad either. I think the fans still appreciate what Paolo did on that day.
PDC: Trevor, it’s not true! He played a big part because his delivery was absolutely fantastic, otherwise I could not have kicked the ball in this manner. I remember Mark Kennedy from Wimbledon was there. To be honest, I don’t know how it happened. We used to try things in training, but normally from the middle of the goal. From a wide area, it was really, really difficult. I need to thank Trevor and God, because just for one goal, it was a magical moment, even though it wasn’t in a Champions League final! Thanks to Trevor and all the fans as we celebrated together.
TS: This goal has been voted the greatest ever to be scored at the Boleyn Ground. We’ve only got a few games left here, and of all the players who have played here, including some of the 1966 World Cup winners, your goal was voted the best.
PDC: Trevor, the history in this ground is incredible. Just now, I have realised that it was voted the best goal ever in this ground and in this ground’s history. I couldn’t imagine the people from young to old gave their vote to my goal. People can remember me and my goal for the rest of their live. It’s a great honour and privilege and I hope West Ham win all the final games…but my goal remains the best!
TS: We just hope that Paolo’s goal inspires the future players for West Ham in the new stadium in years to come!