It was a September night in 1962 that I first visited the Boleyn.Having just started my first job in the ‘smoke’ working under an editor named Tony Cottee it was inevitable wasn’t it?.
I’d grown up in Kent – a member of a Spuds supporting family – and having played the game every Saturday rather
than watched had rarely been to a pro game.
The Hammers though were my team and having been interviewed for – and got the job – Tony said: “Ok there’s a match down the Boleyn tonight – and you are coming.”
My life changed forever that evening as the Hammers earned a 2-2 draw in the old First Division an finished the season with eight of the squad that would go on to grab to FA Cup and Cup winners cup in those fantastic mid sixties years.
Here’s the team that played last night but I have a struggle remembering too many of the details so soaked was I in the amazing east end Boleyn atmosphere.
Lawrie Leslie; Bobby Moore, John Bond, Jack Burkett, Kenny Brown, Martin peters, Malcolm Musgrove, Johnny Byrne, Geoff Hurst, Tony Scott, Phil Woosnam.
That night gave me a totally new perspective on the game….and also my permanent spot in the old West Enclosure! – it’s my first and most abiding Boleyn memory.
Please feel free to send your memories in no more than 250 words as we bid farewell to the ‘old lady.’
E mail to claretandhugh@gmail.com