David Gold has honoured former West Ham manager Charlie Paynter.

Paynter first became involved with West Ham as an unpaid helper in 1897. In 1900 Paynter joined the Hammers as a player however, he never played for the first-team after he suffered a career ending injury. The club appointed him reserve-team trainer in 1902. He was then promoted to first-team trainer when Syd King was appointed as the first team manager. When King was sacked in 1933 Paynter was chosen as his replacement. Paynter remained the manager of West Ham United until 1950. He passed away in 1970 aged 91.

Gold told WHUFC.com “On Thursday, I had the privilege of attending a very special event to honour West Ham’s legendary manager Charlie Paynter, who served the Club for over 50 years and was in charge from 1932-1950.

Newham Council unveiled an English Heritage Blue Plaque at Charlie’s former home in Ladysmith Avenue, East Ham, and I had the pleasure of meeting many members of the Paynter family.

Charlie Paynter is a true West Ham United legend and we must not underestimate the part he played in building and strengthening West Ham United at that time, through two world wars and as manager of the Club for 18 years.

More than being a manager, though, he really did build things. He built the strategy and the ethos of the football club that continues to this day.

And as 14-year-old, I had the good fortune to meet him when I played for West Ham Boys against Portsmouth Boys at Upton Park. He came into the dressing-room and shook everyone’s hand, which was fantastic at the time and a wonderful memory to have now.”