Everyone at West Ham United has been saddened by the passing of former Chairman and Director Martin Cearns at the age of 79.
Martin, the last of a dynasty of the Cearns family to be involved on the Board at West Ham United, was born in 1945 and succeeded his father Len as Chairman in 1990.
Martin stepped down as Chairman two years later in 1992 when Terry Brown took over but remained on the Board as a Director until December 2006, when he resigned following the sale of the Club to new Icelandic owners.
Martin remained an ardent supporter of the Club and, along with son Robin and former Vice-Chairman Charles Warner, had tickets at London Stadium and was a regular at home games until two seasons ago, when increasing ill health made things more difficult.
“My Dad had been in a care home for about a year,” said Robin. “But before that, when it was still possible, he loved going to the London Stadium for home games.
“My Dad lived and breathed West Ham. He would go to reserve games, youth team games, anything involving the Club he loved.
“He felt being a Chairman and Director was a highly responsible job and he totally lived it.”
Martin was awarded a Football League Long Service Award in 2006, following a total of 29 years of involvement, including 17 years as Chairman or Vice-Chairman.
“Dad’s father Len was Chairman before him but before that his grandfather and great grandfather were also Chairman of West Ham United,” said Robin.
Martin’s great grandfather James Cearns, in fact, worked as a foreman and stock taker at Thames Ironworks & Shipbuilding Company and was one of the ten founders of the Club when it was relaunched as West Ham United in 1900.
“We all loved him,” said Robin. “He was an amazing Dad to me and husband to my mum Lorna. I have two children and he loved them also.
“He was a good man who loved his football - and especially West Ham United.”
The sincere condolences of everyone at West Ham United are with Martin’s family and friends at this sad time.
