Hammer’s understated exit, dignified to the end

West Ham’s quartet of leavers get to say their goodbyes tomorrow: The media and the pre-match attention has focussed largely on the eleven-year career of Aaron Cresswell who is to be ‘recognised’ ahead of the Nottingham Forest fixture tomorrow. The Hammers’ vice captain is one of the last remaining squad players who took to the pitch in the ‘old era’ at Upton Park meaning in many respects it will be an emotional afternoon.

Others have a somewhat less high-profile exit: Danny Ings and Lucas Fabianski finish their careers at the end of the season and will also have their farewells tomorrow along with the super Czech Vladimir Coufal.

Vlad has posted a very dignified open letter on whufc.com which typifies the man: Understated, sincere, emotional. In ‘a letter to the West Ham family’ the Czech signs off with :

“It is time to say goodbye. Tomorrow I will play at London Stadium for the last time. I will be forever blowing bubbles till I fade and die. Thank you for everything.  Coufi”

Shared memories of that night in Prague – and of the open top bus tour the day after – along with Coufal’s tireless running and his giving 100% for the shirt mean he is a Hammer through and through and will be sadly missed by supporters. He’s also one of the only West Ham outfield players who, to my memory, has never scored a Premier League goal in his 145 PL games: Cue for much shouting ‘shoot’ anytime Vlad gets into the Forest half with the ball at his feet tomorrow.

Thanks for the memories, Vlad. Just don’t come back with another Premier League side and beat us!