By Hughie Southon
Well, what can I say other than I wish I’d been there – that was amazing and one of the biggest highlights of my West ham watching lifetime.
How could you have scripted such a finish with one of the most loved players in years to don the claret and blue striding forward to grab a cracking goal.
Declan you have been fantastic. I saw Bobby Moore and I’ve seen you. To put you in the same sentence as the great man is the greatest compliment I can pay you.
Much is gonna be written about the game so let me concentrate on something else – the spirit, joy and smiles from the manager and players as his arms went round the shoulders of his squad.
(Photo by Avril Husband/West Ham United FC via Getty Images)
It was a great great sight as the players waved to friends and loved ones in the crowd and as Declan gave the sort of interview which told you he would be here next season. This bloke’s a Hammer.
He looked more like somebody who was convincing Jesse Lingard he needed to stay at the club than one who was set to go anywhere else.
We’ve all waited years to see West Ham UNITED and this squad demonstrated at the end just how proud and happy they are to be Hammers.
I feel so proud as we all do and so pleased to see a squad who look like lifelong friends…how great is that.
And that is the entire secret of what’s gone on this season.
COME ON YOU IRONS
Thanks Hugh – great season, great team and great article that sums it up
The only bad thing is now having to deal with no games and lots of speculation for a few months – but this season will live long in memory and the season was well covered by C&H
COYI
Lovely piece Hughie. Don’t think that smile’s coming off your face for a long while. It’s been a fabulous season made all the better by your thoughts and news Hugh. Hope that you are feeling better and wishing you well. Thank you very much. Happy Hammers, the order of the day. Grins all around – cheers and COYI.
We heave a team of talented players. What impresses is their desire to help each other and there is plenty of energy on the pitch. You have picked the simple ingredients that has contributed a lot: UNITY. Unity of players and the coaches.
Bobby Moore will always live in our heart as will Trevor Brooking. It would be nice to hear Trevor thoughts on the wonderful season (despite the fact that we blew up 3-4 times when occupation in the top four looked certain….but we are Hammers!)
Cannot wait for the next season.
On a sadder note on Tv I saw David Gold. He smiled but he has puffed up a bit. Hopefully, he would recover from whatever is troubling him. Have a good summer everyone.
UNITED indeed fella. That alone is something to look forward to next season. Hopefully the pull of playing in Europe will give us a chance to persuade other sceptical players, we are a team finally moving forward.
I was one of the lucky ones today, and it was so nice to be back.
Everything was well worked out, we could have got more in easily but thats for another day.
It felt a long long time since watching the team live, you just don’t get the difference on the team on the TV.
The ground the Soucek covers is immense, the power and strength and pace of Coufal is second to none.
Sitting in the upper tier you really get a feel for how organised the team is, all moving and covering and genuine pace in the team.
The club done a touching tribute to the friends and family lost this year on the screen which was applauded throughout and it finished paused on Glen Roeder and the applause went up another level, very touching.
Europe beckons, i just wish the ground was full for everyone to enjoy.
If we hang onto all our players roll on next season, believe me its a different team and feeling around the team which will hopefully transmit to all the supporters and more enjoyment
An uplifting and heartwarming article Hugh.
They are a fine bunch of young men and you are right to compare Declan to Bobby.
Let’s hope he can lift the World Cup as West Ham and England captain.
thank you KEVIN – VERY MUCH APPRECIATED
Absolutely loved reading this piece Hugh, talk about saving your best till last!
This morning the sky is clear and the sun is shining and I feel a sense of immense pride in our team.
Our club has excelled beyond my expectations, being a purest I’ve hankered for slick inter-passing and outrageous skills when we play and at times it has been on display.
However, I’ve grown to accept this more resolute and battling style which is equally as beautiful but in a different way ( if that makes sense) and really appreciate the sheer desire to win even when not playing well.
Hugh you nailed it, United is the word going into next season, all of us together from the board, management, players and supporters.
The stadium is going to come to life as we enjoy hosting European football clubs once again.
Yes Hugh it was a wonderful watch on the TV – Shaky start, worry, then huge joy when we suddenly started to compete second ball, and then Pablo! Many times I have bemoaned his nosebleed in front of goal – tonight I salute the fella! Declan omg! Loved the look on Nolan’s face at the end. The Czech boys loved it – DM take a bow. I could crush a grape!!!
Well said, couldnt agree more!
Lingard and Abraham please all the Davids.
What a way to finish a great season , I’m so proud , it feels good to be a hammer. COYI ⚒
Perfect end to a nearly perfect season. Only thing missing was 60,000 of us!
Great words, Hugh, spot on. What a commanding performance, save for the first 20 minutes. A hugely positive season, thanks to everyone at Claret and Hugh for keeping us so well informed and for allowing us the space to express our (often nonsensical) opinions!!
What a season. COYI’s
GREATLY appreciated Saul. Thanks mate
Can’t agree more with your words Hugh.
I too had the pleasure of experiencing watching the unique Bobby Moore.
Declan has always reminded me of how alike he is in his play and attitude with the great man. What a fitting end to the match and terrific season it was, that this young man stepped up and took his goal with such aplomb!!!! So very very proud to be a West Ham supporter. The spirit they all have is wonderful! Sends shivers down the spine – in 55years of following this club, never seen it so in evidence. Onwards and upwards. WHTID.
Perfect end ,great season…love it …coyi