By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Eagle-eyed West Ham fans spotted a fan favourite in the crowd at the London Stadium yesterday.
Super Tomáš Souček was watching his teammates during West Ham’s 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Portsmouth when most of the lower tier turned towards him and started chanting his name.
Clearly lifted by the show of support, the injured Souček stood up from his seat to return the applause.
At that point, the fans sitting behind him cottoned on to what was happening and, from my own perch to the right, I could see the big Czech midfielder turning around to thank thousands of supporters who were singing his name, as you’ll see from my picture.
A moment that clearly meant everything
Clearly moved by the occasion, Big Sou later took to his X account, saying:
“Well done lads! Great start! First win done. Great atmosphere, great energy. Thank you to all the fans for the amazing welcome and for the chants today. It means a lot.”
You could tell exactly what it meant to Souček.
Good on him.
After West Ham’s policy of keeping hold of key players paid immediate dividends against Portsmouth, it was another reminder of just how much affection supporters have for one of the club’s most committed servants.
The right man got the attention
Whilst many wanted to make a big deal about David Sullivan’s return to the London Stadium, it was only right and proper that Souček ended up getting the attention instead.
He wasn’t there to make headlines.
He was there to support his teammates as Nuno Espírito Santo’s side got their season off to a winning start.
Instead, he was serenaded by thousands of Hammers, who made it abundantly clear just how highly they regard him.
For me, that was one of the nicest moments of a very enjoyable afternoon.
Add my admiration for Tomas Soucek to this list. He deserves all the applause. He is the type of man that we need at West Ham, tough, dedicated and loyal. Oh, and he can score goals and defend well too. Good on you, Tomas!
Who does not love Tommy .
Neat. More days like these please. More of this joyful singing. Let us all join Tomas and get behind the team.
A top quality signing who has shown loyalty and graft, two of the most important credentials a player should have. Never lets his side down…a Billy Bonds type and that is a great honour.
A top quality signing who has shown loyalty and graft, two of the most important credentials a player should have. Never lets his side down…a Billy Bonds type a comparison that is a great honour.
Are you sure he wasn’t born in East London? 😊⚒️⚒️
Solomon looks to be the perfect fit. Good move.
I absolutely love that man. I think he’ll have a big part to play this season once he’s back.
Should rip it up in the championship… Major player for us this season.