On Saturday 10th May, a social media memory popped up, reminding me of where I was on the same date back in 2016 – at the Boleyn Ground witnessing West Ham’s final ever game at their historic home against Manchester United.
It was a night to remember. The Hammers triumphed 3-2 in an emotional and fitting farewell to a stadium that had been their home for 112 years. The atmosphere was electric as the East End faithful said goodbye.
In true West Ham fashion , Slaven Bilic’s team took the lead, fell behind and rallied with two late goals.
Winston Reid wrote his name in the history books with his headed goal, which proved to be the winner.
With Aaron Cresswell leaving in the summer, Michail Antonio is now the only remaining player from that memorable squad.
After the game Mark Noble addressed the 34,602 strong crowd “This club is a family. This club ain’t run like a circus anymore. It’s run like a proper football club. Everyone is talking about this club moving to the next level and if we are going to do that we’re going to have to sign good players, and that costs money.”
Now nine years on, Noble’s impassioned words are viewed with mixed feelings. The club has experienced European nights, lifted a trophy and recorded fluctuating League finishes: 11th, 13th, 10th, 16th, 6th, 7th, 14th, 9th, and possibly 13th – 17th as this current season draws to a close.
The move to the London Stadium is a story for another time – but for now, it’s worth simply looking back and reminiscing about a truly unforgettable night as a Hammers fan and another – probably more famous and more significant than today – victory over the Red Devils.
I thought the win today was particularly poignant because if the fact the last time we did the double over Manchester United was the 2006/2007 season which was the great escape season with that goal by Carlos Tevez at old Trafford.
So maybe you could write another article about the last Manchester United double season, the great escape season.
I’ll second that idea, B!