News

Farewell Boleyn: Budgie stars in first Irons MOTD

|

Budgie Byrnes ashes (1)Johnny Byrne Is laid to rest on the pitch of the Boleyn ground after his death in South Africa in 1999 aged 60.

His ashes were brought over to the ground where a memorial service was held with family and close friends in attendance. His ashes were supposed to be scattered on the pitch but it is believed that they were buried in front of the Bobby Moore Stand.

Budgie, so named because of his constant chatter, was bought from Crystal Palace in 1962 who had just been promoted from the fourth to the third division with Budgie being their leading goal-scorer.

In his five years with the club he played just over 200 times scoring 108 goals, winning an FA Cup winner’s medal in 1964 and also winning Hammer of the Year in the same year.

His goals helped the Hammers  to European glory the next season, but sadly for Budgie, an injury picked up on England duty against Scotland in May of 65 meant he missed the final.

In 1964 Budgie scored his second hat-trick for the club in a home again against Spurs in a 3-2 on the 12/9/1964.

This game was the first ever Hammers game shown on Match of the Day and the full highlights can be viewed here

Words from CandH historian Nigel Kahn

Follow Nige on twitter @mywhufc

Pic: Steve Bacon

Share this article

Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!"

Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon

0 comments

  • Tony gore says:

    Yes I was there on that day, can’t remember much but your video bought it all back thank you!!
    They never klssed and cuddled and went through diabolical stupid and senile antics when they scored?? Like most clubs do now,sometimes it looks as if their shagging each other WTF for????

  • HammerJeff says:

    Was that the former club chaplain Elwin Cockett officiating at the memorial?

  • ElwinCockett says:

    Perhaps you could give a picture credit to Steve Bacon, who took the photo?

Comments are closed.