Two Hammers heroes are reunited in the USA this weekend when West Ham United are represented at the Premier League Mornings Live Fan Fest in Chicago.
Carlton Cole and Jonathan Spector, who both signed for the Hammers in July 2006 and were team-mates for five years at the Boleyn Ground, enjoyed some memorable moments together in a Claret and Blue shirt – none more so than the famous 4-0 League Cup quarter-final win over Manchester United in November 2010, when both scored a brace each in a snow blizzard at Upton Park.
The pair are teaming up again this weekend in Spector’s home city of Chicago – and will be joined by our mascot Hammerhead - for NBC Sport’s two-day fan festival taking place at the iconic Lincoln Park on the shores of Lake Michigan, which kicks off with our fixture against Chelsea – a 6.30am kick-off in mid-west USA. Registered fans can get involved in NBC Sports’ live on-site broadcast, meet Premier League legends, and take part in free on-site activities, which include the opportunity to have photos taken with the Premier League trophy.
Carlton arrived in Chicago earlier this week and on Thursday attended a Premier League Community Coaching activity at the training centre of Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire FC, where he was joined by Hammerhead and spent time coaching and encouraging local schoolchildren, inspiring them to learn, be active and develop important life skills through the power of football.
Later that evening, he attended an exclusive Fan party held to celebrate the Chicago Hammers – one of West Ham United’s best-represented international supporter groups – at the famous AJ Hudson’s Bar in Chicago’s Lake View neighbourhood on the North side, where Hammers fans gather every week, often in the early hours of the morning, to cheer on the team. On Saturday morning, the group will be on site at Lincoln Park to watch alongside Carlton and Jonathan as the Hammers take on Chelsea.
The popular former striker said: “It’s a privilege for me to be out here in Chicago representing West Ham United. It was lovely to meet the children at the coaching event. We obviously do a lot of similar work back in our community in London through the Foundation, so it’s nice to be able to transfer that vibe to the other side of the world and see that it can help to make the same positive difference.
“Football is obviously a global sport, and the Premier League is getting bigger and bigger in the USA. With the World Cup here in two years, there is a real passion for it. The Chicago Hammers are a brilliant group, they have so much dedication and commitment to follow the Club from afar, and it has been a real pleasure to spend time with them. I’m really looking forward to the weekend and hoping we can celebrate the visit with a big win over Chelsea!”
Wherever you are in the world, Premier League Mornings Live is an opportunity for Hammers fans to show just how widespread the love for the Club is. When you're getting ready for this weekend's match with Chelsea, we encourage you to post on X a photo of you in your colours, letting us know where you're watching from. Use the hashtag #MyPLMorning, and then also tag the West Ham Club account. We'll also be showing your photos on the big screens at London Stadium, so you'll also be seen by everyone here as we get ready to kick off the match.
Look out for more action from the Premier League Mornings Live event in Chicago across Club channels this weekend…
