A Pictorial History
FOOTBALL PROGRAMMES
WEST HAM UNITED
Steve Marsh & Stuart Allen
Copyright © 2020 All rights reserved
7 December 1973
TED MacDOUGALL joins NORWICH CITY
MacDougall was signed from Manchester United to cure a goalscoring problem. Made his Hammers debut in the 0-0 draw with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on the 10 March 1973. The club record signing never settled at Upton Park, he received his marching orders in a matchagainst Burnley at Upton Park in October 1973. A month later a dressing room bust up at Elland Road with West Ham captain Billy Bonds, MacDougall scored the Hammers goal but the skipper criticised his effort following the 4-1 defeat to Leeds United. That goal was to be his last in a claret and blue shirt and ten months after joining the Hammers he teamed up with his former boss John Bond at Norwich City, MacDougall was valued at £125,000). West Ham United Career: (1972-1974) Appearances 26, Goals: 7
1973-74 Football League : First Division
Rule Change: Three down, three up
At the AGM of the Football League it was decided by a majority vote to amend the rulings regarding promotion and relegation between the First and Second Divisions. This is intended to create more interest throughout the season, the change means that three clubs will be relegated and promoted at the end of the season.
Like some other clubs the Hammers had mixed opinions on the subject, but must abide by the majority decision which equally affects all those in membership of the upper sections. It may, of course, ensure that one or more clubs are "doomed" earlier in the campaign, but will certainly extend anxiety to several others who are on the fringe of the bottom three places. There will be no guarantee that (as in the old days) 36 points will probably ensure safety!
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Value Added Tax came into operation on the 1 April 1973, but was not added to the admission prices for the balance of last season - the cost being borne out of gate income. However, it was obvious that for this season it would be nesessary to increase charges in order to meet the demands of V.A.T.
BRISTOL ROVERS : Watney Invitation Cup (First Round)
Watney Mann Invitation Cup
Eastville
1 - 1 (MacDougall) Lost 4-5 on penalties
11 August 1973
Att: 19,974
Ferguson
McDowell (Lock)
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Ayris (Tyler)
Holland
MacDougall
Brooking
Robson
Manager: Ron Greenwood
NEWCASTLE UNITED : Football League First Division
IPSWICH TOWN : Football League First Division
NORWICH CITY : Football League First Division
QUEENS PARK RANGERS : Football League First Division
MERVYN DAY makes his Hammers debut against Ipswich Town at Upton Park
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : Football League First Division
QUEENS PARK RANGERS : Football League First Division
MANCHESTER UNITED : Football League First Division
LEICESTER CITY : Football League First Division
STOKE CITY : Football League First Division
BURNLEY : Football League First Division
LIVERPOOL : Football League Cup (Second Round)
EVERTON : Football League First Division
KEITH COLEMAN makes his Hammers debut against BURNLEY at Upton Park
COVENTRY CITY : Football League First Division
DERBY COUNTY : Football League First Division
LIVERPOOL : Football League Cup (Second Round Replay)
LEEDS UNITED : Football League First Division
SHEFFIELD UNITED : Football League First Division
WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS : Football League First Division
INTERNATIONAL NEWS : 14th November 1973
BOBBY MOORE wins his 108th ENGLAND cap against ITALY an International Friendly at Wembley 0-1
BERTIE LUTTON wins his 4th NORTHERN IRELAND cap against PORTUGAL a World Cup Qualifier in Lisbon 1-0
ARSENAL : Football League First Division
LIVERPOOL : Football League First Division
BOBBY GOULD makes his Hammers debut against Arsenal at Upton Park
MANCHESTER CITY : Football League First Division
MICK McGIVEN makes his Hammers debut against Liverpool at Anfield
BIRMINGHAM CITY : Football League First Division
GRAHAM PADDON makes his Hammers debut against Manchester City at Upton Park
STOKE CITY : Football League First Division
CHELSEA : Football League First Division
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : Football League First Division
ALAN WOOLER makes his Hammers debut against Stoke City at Upton Park
SECOND-HALF
Ferguson
Lampard
Charles C.
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Best (Holland)
Lutton
MacDougall
Brooking
Robson
Day
Lampard
Lock
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Best
Holland
MacDougall
Brooking
Robson
Ferguson
Lampard
Lock
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Best
Holland
MacDougall
Brooking
Robson
Ferguson
Lampard
Lock
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Best
Holland
Ayris
Brooking
Robson
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Best
Lock
MacDougall (Holland)
Brooking
Robson
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Lock
Lutton
Brooking
Robson
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Lock
Tyler (Lutton)
Holland
MacDougall
Brooking
Robson
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Lock
MacDougall (Coker)
Brooking
Robson
Ferguson
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
Lock
MacDougall
Brooking
Robson
Day
Coleman
Lampard
Bonds
McDowell
Moore
Lutton (Lock)
Holland
MacDougall
Brooking
Robson
Day
McDowell
Lampard
Coleman
Taylor T.
Lock (Holland)
Ayris
Best
MacDougall
Brooking
Robson
Day
Coleman
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Ayris
Best
MacDougall
Brooking
Robson
Day
Coleman
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
McDowell
Best
Brooking
Robson (Lock)
Day
Coleman
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
McDowell
Best
Brooking
Lock
Day
Coleman
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
McDowell
Best
Brooking
Lock (Holland)
Day
Coleman
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
McDowell
Best
Brooking
MacDougall
Ferguson
Coleman
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Tyler
McDowell
Robson
Brooking
MacDougall
Day
Coleman
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Best
McDowell
MacDougall
Brooking
Robson
Day
Coleman
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Gould
McDowell
MacDougall
Brooking
Robson
Upton Park
1 - 2 (Robson)
25 August 1973
Att: 28,169
Upton Park
3 - 3 (Best, Bonds, Brooking)
27 August 1973
Att: 23,335
Carrow Road
2 - 2 (Best, Robson)
1 September 1973
Att: 25,378
Loftus Road
0 - 0
4 September 1973
Att: 28,360
Upton Park
0 - 1
8 September 1973
Att: 30,888
Upton Park
2 - 3 (Bonds, Robson)
10 September 1973
Att: 26,042
Old Trafford
1 - 3 (Bonds)
15 September 1973
Att: 44,757
Upton Park
1 - 1 (Robson)
22 September 1973
Att: 23,567
Victoria Ground
0 - 2
29 September 1973
Att: 16,397
Upton Park
0 - 1
6 October 1973
Att: 23,604
Upton Park
2 - 2 (MacDougall, Robson)
8 October 1973
Att: 25,840
Goodison Park
0 - 1
13 Octoberr 1973
Att: 34,708
Highfield Road
1 - 0 (McDowell)
20 October 1973
Att: 21,141
Upton Park
0 - 0
27 October 1973
Att: 31,237
Anfield
0 - 1
29 October 1973
Att:26,002
Elland Road
1 - 4 (MacDougall)
3 November 1973
Att: 35,869
Upton Park
2 - 2 (Bonds, Brooking)
10 November 1973
Att: 21,245
Molineux
0 - 0
17 November 1973
Att: 19,587
Upton Park
1 - 3 (Bonds)
24 November 1973
Att: 28,287
Anfield
0 - 1
1 December 1973
Att: 34,857
Upton Park
2 - 1 (Brooking, Doyle [og])
8 December 1973
Att: 20,790
St Andrews
1 - 3 (Gould)
15 December 1973
Att: 23,767
Upton Park
0 - 2
22 December 1973
Att: 16,513
Stamford Bridge
4 - 2 (Best 2, Gould, Lampard)
26 December 1973
Att: 26,982
White Hart Lane
0 - 2
29 December 1973
Att: 33,176
Day
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
McGiven
Paddon
Gould
Coleman (Holland)
Best
Day
Coleman
Lampard
McDowell
Taylor T.
Moore
McGiven
Paddon
Gould
Brooking
Best
Day
McDowell
Lampard
Holland
Taylor T.
McGiven
Ayris (Wooler)
Paddon
Gould
Coleman
Best
Day
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
Taylor T.
Moore
Ayris
Paddon
Gould
Coleman
Best
Day
McDowell
Lampard
Bonds
McGiven
Moore
Ayris
Paddon
Gould
Brooking (Coleman)
Best
Day
Coleman
Lampard
Bonds
McGiven
Moore
Gould
McDowell
MacDougall
Brooking
Holland
Image courtesy of Richard Miller
Image courtesy of Richard Miller
Bristol Rovers:
Eadie, jacobs, Parsons, Green, Taylor, Prince, Stephens, Rudge (Fearnley), Warboys, Bannister, Dobson
Image courtesy of Richard Miller
Image courtesy of Richard Miller
West Ham United
1973-74
It was a wretched beginning to the campaign as the Hammers were winless after 11 games and sat second to bottom in the league. Young goalkeeper Mervyn Day was brought into the side and the team won their first game at Coventry City in October. The League Cup brought no joy as Liverpool won 1–0 at Anfield in a replay. It took a further seven games before a second league win came when Manchester City were beaten 2–1 at home in December.
New signings arrived when manager Ron Greenwood bought striker Bobby Gould, midfielder Graham Paddon and defender Mick McGiven. The new players helped, as there were two 4–2 victories against Chelsea and Norwich City. This improvement was not maintained in the FA Cup, however, as Third Division Hereford United won 2–1 in the replay following a 2–2 draw at Upton Park. A significant event took place when Bobby Moore moved across London to sign for Fulham. It was the end of an era – he had played 642 games for the club.
Inspired by skipper Billy Bonds there was a 10-game unbeaten run that raised morale. Bonds was waging a one-man crusade against relegation, with a hat-trick against Chelsea in a 3–0 victory. Further wins against Leeds United and Southampton found the Hammers virtually safe and a final day 2–2 home draw with Liverpool gave an eighteenth place finish.
9 July 1973
JAMES WALKER (2004-2009) Born this day Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Walker joined Notts County as a trainee in July 1991 but failed to make a first team appearance and moved onto Walsall in August 1993. Went on to make over 470 appearances for the Bescot Stadium club over a ten year period. West Ham acquired Walker’s services from Walsall on a Bosman free transfer on the 10th June 2004. He was the second choice goalkeeper at Upton Park after Stephen Bywater. Made his initial West Ham debut in the Carling Cup against Southend United in a 2-0 victory 24th August 2004. Gained a regular first team place within a year of his arrival. Walker helped the Hammers win promotion in 2005 but a serious knee injury in the closing stages of the play-off final saw him miss the majority of the 2005-06 season. He made his first appearance since the knee injury, and his Premiership debut at the age of 32, in a 4–2 defeat to Portsmouth in March 2006. He made only two more first team appearances but collected a FA Cup Final runners up medal as an unused substitute in May 2006. The presence of Roy Carroll and Robert Green as goalkeepers at West Ham during the 2006-07 season meant that Walker's first-team chances were limited though he remained very popular at Upton Park. On 27 November 2008 Walker signed on loan for Colchester United. West Ham released Walker in June 2009 and signed a short-term coontract with Tottenham Hotspur as a third choice goalkeeper. Re-signed for his first club Walsall in October 2010 where he went onto break the Saddlers all time appearance record. Later took up coaching roles at Peterborough United, Gillingham, Lincoln City, Sunderland and Ipswich Town.
4 August 1973
DAVID TERRIER (1997) Born this day Verdun, France
West Ham raided the foreign market when they signed, young French defender David Terrier from FC Metz. David, 23 signed a three-year contract which also included a clause allowing for its cancellation after three months should he fail to make an impact. Signed on a free transfer under the Bosman ruling, Terrier arrived for pre-season training and amazed everyone with his request for the squad No.13 shirt. Terrier has 15 French under-21 caps and has played for his country from the age of 14 upwards. David made his League debut as substitute in the opening game against Barnsley 9th August 1997 in a 2-1 away victory. Indeed this was to be his one and only appearance in the claret-and-blue, beset by constant injury problems, "The Ice Man" had his trail period extended in the hope that he could shake off his injury to help the Hammers with their defensive cover, but was frozen out and left to join Newcastle United on the 15 January 1998 on loan until the end of the season. Returned to France after his spell at St James's Park and played for OGC Nice, AC Ajaccio and US Creteil.
But better known as the Watney Cup, this pre-season competition was introduced for the highest scoring football league clubs from the previous season. The top two goal scoring teams from each of the football league’s four divisions, excluding any who had qualified for European competition, were invited to participate. The competition was a straight knockout format, each match was a one-off with no extra time or replays The final to take place at the home ground of one of the finalists, rather than a neutral venue.
Watney chief executive and West Ham secretary
Reg Pratt (right) at the draw
The BBC had their Match of the Day cameras in situ to record a disappointing afternoon for the Hammers. In a game in which Bristol Rovers created more chances than the Hammers, a 31st minute Bruce Bannister header gave the Rovers the lead. Ted MacDougall’s 38th minute equaliser was described as an “opportunist one” following sloppy play by the Rovers. After 90 minutes the score remained 1-1 and with no extra time, it was straight into a penalty shoot out. Five spot kicks apiece. Unfortunately, the official match programme did not notify this fact, and many of the near 20,000 attendance were expecting extra time to be played.
21 August 1973
ALAN WOOLER signs from READING on a free transfer
We snatched a point from Ipswich Town in another League fixture at Upton Park. A crowd of 23,335 turned up to see a 3-3 draw. With Bobby Ferguson and Peter Grotier both unavailable, 18-year-old Mervyn Day made his league debut in our goal. The visitors' manager was Bobby Robson. Ipswich went two down after seven minutes (Bonds and Brooking were our scorers), and Robson, must have thought that we would put an end to the Suffolk club's run of nine successive undefeated visits to the Boleyn Ground. However, the Blues responded with goals by Trevor Whymark (12 mins) and David Johnson (65 and 73 mins.), and from thence onwards it became obvious that they would play defensively to maintain their winning margin. But Clyde Best dashed their hopes when he scored with nine minutes remaining on the referee's watch. Both sides made all-out efforts to resolve the issue, but it ended in a stalemate after an entertaining encounter.
As the Hammers had finished sixth in the First Division table at the end of the preceding season, prospects for 1973-74 were considered hopeful - to say the least. We began the League schedule with a home fixture against Newcastle United, an attendance of 28,169 saw the Hammers take the lead seven minutes before the interval, "Pop" Robson opening his account against his former club. However, the Magpies were comparatively undisturbed by the reverse, and Malcolm Macdonald netted twice (56 and 81 mins.) to give them a 2-1 victory. Overall it was a fair result. As it transpires the win was eventually most valuable for the north-easterners in the final reckoning, as they finished just two points ahead of relegated Southampton.
The 26,042 attendance saw Don Givens score in the fifth and 18th minutes to put the visitors two up at half-time. A couple of minutes after the interval "Pop" Robson reduced the margin; but ten minutes later Ron Abbott who had replaced Dave Thomas in Rangers' side made it 3-1. With 22 minutes to go we were awarded a penalty for a handling offence, and "Bonzo" duly put the ball past Phil Parkes to bring Hammers back into the running. From thence onwards our team mounted a series of attacks — but all in vain.
18 September 1973
KEITH COLEMAN signs from SUNDERLAND for £20,000
29 September 1973
HUGO PORFIRIO (1997-1998) Born this day Lisbon, Portugal
Hugo Cardoso Porfirio signed from Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon in October 1996. Financially, Sporting were in bad shape and allowed Hugo to join the Hammers on loan until July 1997, but had until February to decide whether they want to take up the option to buy the £800,000 rated striker. Hugo made his League debut against Liverpool at Upton Park when he came on as a second half substitute in a 1-2 reverse 29th September 1996. Hugo told the Hammers he would not join them permanently, the on loan winger was left scarred by the battle against relegation. He admitted "I want to fight for the title or win cups. I don't know if West Ham can offer me that in the next few years. Porfiro became frustrated by a lack of opportunities and wanted to leave despite boss Redknapp pleading with him to stay. Porfirio was rated as one of the league's most skilful players but he struggled against physical sides. Joined Racing Santander of Spain and later played for Benfica, Maritimo before returning to Benfica again, before ending up in Saudi Arabian with Al-Nasr.
16 October 1973
DAVID UNSWORTH (1997-1998) Born this day Preston, Lancashire
Signed from Everton together with £1m cash adjustment in exchange for Danny Williamson August 1997. The arrival of the once-capped England defender quickly showed manager Harry Redknapp he had got the best of that sensational swap deal involving the unfortunate Danny Williamson. David made his Hammers debut against his former Everton team-mates at Goodison Park 23 August 1997 in a 1-2 reverse. While Unsworth quickly settled into the Upton Park life, his wife did not and by the end of a campaign that saw him make 39 appearances, scoring two goals, he sought a move nearer home. Geographically challenged, he signed for Aston Villa in a £3m deal but while Harry tallied up another profit, Unsworth was farcically claiming that he didn't realise Birmingham was still so far from Liverpool. A mocking John Gregory allowed the red faced, "under-the-thumb" Unsworth to return to Everton a fortnight or so later for a similar fee. After six years with the Goodison Park outfit he later played for Ipswich Town (loan), Sheffield United, Wigan Athletic, Burnley and Huddersfield Town. Unsworth announced his retirement on 3 April 2009 and turned his hand to coaching with Preston North End. Later spells with Sheffield United and Everton.
23 October 1973
CHRISTIAN DAILLY (2001- 2008) Born this day Dundee, Scotland
After weeks of on-off speculation, Christian Dailly finally became a West Ham United player on 17 January 2001 when he signed in a £1.75m deal from Blackburn Rovers. It appeared that the Scottish international from Lancashire was heading to Premiership rivals Leicester City but, after thinking over the choices on offer, he decided that his future lie at Upton Park. Christian made his Hammers debut against Charlton Athletic in the 1-1 draw at the Valley 22 January 2001. After beginning his career with hometown club Dundee United, he made his move south to English Premiership in 1996 when Derby County swooped to sign him on the eve of their first season back in the top flight. Just over two years later Roy Hodgson took him to Ewood Park in a £3.5m deal. However, he was considered surplus to requirements by Graeme Souness, paving the way for the Hammers to snap up an experienced international defender at such a small cost. He earned his first full cap in 1997 and was one of Scotland's few successes in the 1998 World Cup finals in France. He also starred in Scotland's Euro 2000 play off second leg victory over England. Christian can play in several positions but was happiest playing in the centre of defence. Injury prevented him from the majority of West Ham’s promotion-winning 2004-05 season, although he returned to make brief appearances in both play-off semi-final legs and the final. He signed a new deal in June 2005. Made a substitute appearance in the 2006 FA Cup Final defeat to Liverpool. In September 2007, he joined Southampton on loan, initially for a month. The loan was extended for a further month as Saints continued to suffer with injuries. On the 30 January 2008 he signed for Glasgow Rangers on a short term contract until the end of the season which was later extended by one-year. Went on to make 36 appearances and scoring 2 goals, his last being as an 87th minute substitute in the 1-0 victory over Falkirk in the Scottish Cup. In July 2009 aged 35, Dailly signed for Charlton Athletic on a free transfer. At the end of the season he was named the Addict’s player of the year. Joined Portsmouth on a one-month loan deal in August 2011 before signing for Southend United in League Two on non-contract terms 16 March 2012. In his third appearance for the Shrimps he broke his toe ruling him out for the remainder of the season. In July 2012, after 22 years in the game he retired from professional football.
1 November 1973
BOBBY GOULD signs from BRISTOL CITY for £80,000
29 November 1973
MICK McGIVEN sign on loan from SUNDERLAND for one month
5 December 1973
DANNY WILLIAMSON (1994-1997) Born this day West Ham, London
The first youth product at Upton Park to score on his home debut since Tony Cottee (1983) when he netted the first v. Southampton in the final game of the 1993-94 season. This promising midfielder had made his first team bow a week earlier, as substitute in a 2-0 victory over Arsenal at Highbury on the 30th April 1994. Danny gained experience earlier in the 1993-94 season during a 13-match loan spell with Third Division Doncaster Rovers making his League debut v. Lincoln City on the 9th October 1993. Failed to build upon his promising Hammers start for the 1994-95 campaign. It was his excellent close control and an eye for goal over the following 18 months that earned him an extension to his contract, followed by a surprise move to Everton in a £1 million deal. Ankle problems have sadly made a sticky mess of his transfer to the Toffees.
12 December 1973
GARY BREEN (2002-2003) Born this day Hendon, Middlesex
Much sought after Republic of Ireland international who arrived at Upton Park on a free transfer from Coventry City. Breen was widely regarded as a cultured ball-playing centre back. He rejected the chance to join a big club at the start of his career concentrating instead on his studies, but he quickly moved through the divisions with Maidstone, Gillingham, Peterborough and Birmingham before Gordon Strachan secured his services for Coventry City in January 1997 for £2.5m. The 28-year-old was reportedly being targeted by European giants Barcelona and Inter Milan after his impressive displays during Ireland’s valiant World Cup finals campaign in Japan and South Korea. Gary chose the Hammers and admitted that the principal factor in his decision was the presence of Glenn Roeder, who was manager at third division Gillingham when he was enjoying the early days of his professional career in 1992. Missed the start of his first pre-season with West Ham after undergoing an operation to repair a torn hernia over the summer. Made his Hammers debut in the heart of the claret and blue defence as a 68th minute substitute against League Champions Arsenal in a game which finished 2-2 at Upton Park 24 August 2002. Released by the Hammers, Gary joined Mick McCarthy’s Sunderland in August 2003 on a free transfer.
24 December 1973
MICK McGIVEN Initial one month loan period from SUNDERLAND is made permanent and signs for £20,000
28 December1973
MARK WATSON (1996) Born this day Birmingham, West Midlands
Signed from Istmian League side Sutton United for £50,000 on 9 May 1995. Top Man window dresser who convinced Harry Redknapp that he might be able to sell a few dummies after netting 23 goals in 35 Diadora outings for Sutton United. Woeful finishing saw him cruelly tagged Pele by some of his senior professionals who quickly recognised that he was never going to land the odds at the top level. He made one league appearance for the Hammers as a substitute against Queens Park Rangers on 27 April 1996 in a 1-0 victory. He had spells on loan at Leyton Orient, Cambridge United and Shrewsbury Town before moving to Bournemouth - as part of the Steve Jones deal in May 1996 - where he made 15 appearances for the Cherries, scoring twice, before transferring to Welling United, then returned to Sutton United between 1998 and 2000 before moving to Woking FC, Chesham United and finally Aldershot Town for the 2001-02 campaign.
West Ham United were sitiing in 21st spot in the table when Leicester City arrived at the Boleyn Ground. The visitors having won three and drawn four of their First Division fixtures, and with only four minutes to go appeared set for their first defeat; Bryan Robson had scored for the Hammers in the 36th minute to give us a half-time lead. In addition, Trevor Brooking had hit the bar, and our superiority was such that literally only one man stood between us and victory; as far as we were concerned was The Foxes goalkeeper, Peter Shilton. Frank Worthington dealt us the final blow of the afternoon. He netted the Filberts' late equaliser and the game ended 1-1.
The Victoria Ground at Stoke has never been a happy hunting ground for the Hammers, and our dismal record there against the Potters rarely looked like being improved after an opening spell in which we came near to scoring. The kick-off took place in a downpour; the depressing weather and City’s lowly position had an obvious effect on the gate which was less-than-average 17,000, and this figure had declined before the final whistle even though the home fans were viewing their team’s first victory of the season. Between this opening and closing most of the exchanges went in favour of the Midlanders, although it was in the middle portion of the game that they netted the two decisive goals. The first, five minutes before the interval, was headed home by 18-year-old avid Goodwin to celebrate his League debut; the second, 20 minutes after the restart, was credited to ex-Hammer Geoff Hurst whose counter was alos nodded in. The earlier exchanges showed us in our better light, but by the end the Hammers were well beaten and still without a League victory.
25,840 fans arrived at Upton Park to see a League Cup (Second Round) tie against The Reds of Liverpool. It had been pleasurably anticipated as an entertaining evening, and our only disappointment was in being disallowed a possible penalty-kick due to the referee being much too far away for him to make a decision. Week-end injuries necessitated five changes as. Bobby Ferguson, Billy Bonds, skipper Bobby Moore and Dudley Tyler were all out with "Pop" Robson captained the Hammers for the first time ever and rounded off a personal performance by netting our second equaliser. Prior to that the scorers were Peter Cormack (35 mins), MacDougall (40) and Steve Heighway (55 mins).
The Hammers took to the field for the away match against Everton with a summary of: played 11, won 0, drawn 4, lost 7, goals 10-18. The Toffeemen had been undefeated for over a month, and after surviving a near-miss when Ted MacDougall hit an upright they took the lead twelve minutes prior to the interval after intercepting a back-pass which failed to reach goalkeeper Mervyn Day. Everton deserved the 1-0 win, especially as they fielded several deputies due to a heavy injury list. 34,708 were at Goodison Park that day
The turn of the tide! Our twelfth First Division game of the season brought Hammers' first victory...and away from home. The attendance of 21,097 at Highfield Road is a reminder of Coventry City's happier days, and as the Sky Blues were hovering in the top half-dozen of the table we were hardly expected to dent their hopes. John McDowell scored the vital goal in our 1-0 success; it came in the 68th minute, but four minutes later our joy was diminished as "Pop" Robson received an injury which was to keep him out of action for several weeks.
2 November 1973
PETER GROTIER signs on loan to CARDIFF CITY
With only a solitary victory from their opening 14 Division I fixtures, the Hammers were languishing in 21st position with seven points. Seeking our first home win. 21,245 fans at Upton Park saw Alan Woodward put the Blades two up at half-time through goals in the 14th and 42nd minutes. The second half produced some of our best soccer of the season, commencing with a couple of goals in the space of a minute - Billy Bonds (50) Trevor and Brooking (51). That did not end the excitement butwe were left still awaiting our first home win.
14 November 1973
BOBBY MOORE 108th ENGLAND cap
ITALY an International Friendly Wembley Stadium, London 0-1
Bobby Moore won his 108th and final England cap in international friendly against Italy on this day in 1973. The legendary Hammers defender had become England's most capped player in his previous appearance, overtaking Bobby Charlton's record, and his mark stood until Peter Shilton went on to win 125 England caps. Moore's international career included leading the country to World Cup glory in 1966, as well as a quarter-final appearance four years later. Although he could not bow out with a victory, Moore's legacy as one of the greatest players to pull on an England shirt is clear.
BERTIE LUTTON 4th NORTHERN IRELAND cap
PORTUGAL World Cup Qualifier Estadio Jose Alvalade, Lisbon 1-0
There was a 19,587 attendance at Molineux for what was virtually a "four pointer" against Wolves, who were a couple of places above us near the foot of the table. It was not one of the most entertaining of encounters, but we were happy to collect a point from the goalless draw. Less happy was the Midlanders' manager Bill McGarry and the TV presenters. One press commentator described the edited version of the match as 13 minutes of entertaining video¬tape, but lamented that he had to watch the remaining 77 minutes of the "live" version!
30 November 1973
DUDLEY TYLER joins HEREFORD UNITED for £13,000
Dudley Tyler signed for West Ham United for a then non-league record fee of £25,000 from Hereford United in June 1972. He scored his one and only league goal for the Hammers against Leicester City and Peter Shilton. West Ham United career (1972-1073) Appearances: 35, Goals 1
7 December 1973
GRAHAM PADDON signs from NORWICH CITY in an exchange deal with TED MacDOUGALL plus £145,000
The City club were the visitors to Upton Park for a First Division fixture. The Hammers were seeking their first home win of the season, and the 20,790 attendance obviously had doubts of us obtaining it when Francis Lee scored in the 18th minute. City held the advantage until two minutes before half-time, when Trevor Brooking obtained the equaliser. Until then the opposition had put us under severe pressure; to quote our match report, "they emerged from defensive positions like a well-ordered cavalry charge", and it was only a magnificent performance by Mervyn Day that kept them at bay. It was unfortunate that the game developed into an "in fighting" contest; a trio of players were booked — and a number more should have been! As events turned out we had a mixed bag of fortune; the Hammers went 2-1 up when Mike Doyle netted an "own goal", and four minutes later Trevor Brooking went off injured for Keith Coleman to go on as substitute with 25 minutes left on the clock. The game then literally went to the bitter end, but our battered warriors emerged with two most valuable points.
13 December 1973
SCOTT MEAN (1998) Born this day Crawley, Sussex
One of Harry Redknapp's protégées who has trodden the well-worn path between Bournemouth and Upton Park. Mean began his footballing career with The Cherries in 1992. In his four seasons he made 74 league appearances scoring 8 goals before signing on loan to West Ham on 28 March 1996. The midfielder followed up his earlier injury-ridden loan spell at Upton Park with a second spell in July 1996 with the Hammers making it a permanent transfer with a £100,000 fee on 12 May 1997. He made his debut as a substitute against Leeds United on 30 March 1998. His time at the Boleyn Ground was beset with injuries and only made a total of three substitute appearances. In August 1998 he was loaned out to Port Vale, but on his debut for The Vale against West Bromwich Albion he sustained a cruciate ligament injury. He was released by West Ham in July 1999 and returned to the south coast with Bournemouth where he played for a further season making 32 league appearances and scoring four goals. He then went into non-league football playing for Kingstonian and Crawley Town. After his playing career was over he became an actor and appeared in various TV shows notably The Bill and Eastenders.
Derby football is a familiar component of Boxing Day and so the Hammers made the short trip to Stamford Bridge for their 1973 fixture. It would be a happy occasion for the visitors as they emerged with the spoils from a high-scoring encounter. It was certainly a match of two halves, with Britlon on 9 minutes and Hudson 42 minutes gave the home side an interval advantage. Four minutes after half-time Lampard made it 2-1 Then Osgood hit the bar from eight yards out, and from the rebound the Hammers went downfield for Gould to level it 2-2 (57 mins.). Two minutes later Clyde Best put us ahead, and with six minutes left on the clock he put the trimmings on the festivities for all the Hammers present
