We’re down to the final three of the #50GreatestHammers countdown, in association with our Official Investment Partner Basset & Gold, and another Knight of the Realm takes the third spot on the podium…
Sir Trevor Brooking
Years at West Ham: 1966-84
Appearances: 643
Goals: 102
Sir Trevor Brooking is a true icon of West Ham United.
Few men in the history of the Club can match his longevity, impact and success, which saw him win two FA Cups, a promotion and reach a further two major finals.
So integral was his role among those glory years, his performances saw him voted Hammer of the Year on five occasions – a tally unmatched by anyone to wear the Claret & Blue.
Already the holder of one FA Cup winners’ medal after the Hammers defeated Fulham 2-0 in 1975, Brooking scored the only goal of the game when West Ham – then a Division Two club – defeated Arsenal to lift the famous trophy again.
Brooking’s career with the Hammers spanned that of several figures who have gone down in Club history. From Moore, Hurst and Peters in the early days, through to Bonds throughout his time in east London and Devonshire, Parkes and Martin towards the end, Brooking saw it all.
Primarily right-footed, Brooking was also comfortable with his left and played in an attacking midfield role with his controlled passing to the fore.
Also noted for his gentlemanly approach to the game, Brooking earned his reward in medals and goals – only seven players have bettered his total of 102 in Claret & Blue.
However, it could have all ended up so differently. as he may have never played for West Ham at all - had he and his parents accepted a very different deal.
Brooking's signature at 15 was also pursued by Chelsea and Tottenham, with all three clubs offering him an apprenticeship. Only West Ham would allow him to finish his studies at school though and despite Chelsea offering his parents a £500 signing fee and a car, Brooking opted to sign with the Hammers in July 1965.
It was a decision that those of a West Ham persuasion will always look back on with delight. He would feature in the first team over a 17-year span, clocking up a mammoth 643 appearances.
Along the way he earned 47 England caps, heading to Euro 1980 and the 1982 FIFA World Cup with the Three Lions.
After leaving the Hammers in 1984 for brief spells with Newcastle Blue Star and Cork City, he later returned to the Club as a caretaker-manager in the 2000s, having previously enjoyed a successful media career, and since filled administrative roles with the Football Association and Sport England.
Brooking was presented with the Club’s second-ever Lifetime Achievement award in 2014 – the year after long-time teammate and friend Billy Bonds was awarded the same accolade.