Sir Trevor Brooking, who scored the only goal of the game in the 1-0 triumph for John Lyall’s team, Phil Parkes, Alvin Martin, Ray Stewart and David Cross made telephone calls to several fans who are connected to the Any Old Irons group, to chat about their stand-out memories of the game 40 years ago, but also to check in on their wellbeing and keep their spirits up during this incredibly challenging time.
Any Old Irons is a programme led by the West Ham United Foundation on behalf of the Club. It was created in 2015 in a bid to tackle social isolation and loneliness among older people in the East London and Essex area.
The initiative provides five-week programmes designed to gives participants the opportunity to connect with other fans and locals in their community, bringing them together for fun and friendship, with meetings, events, workshops and guest speakers. Earlier in 2020, Any Old Irons was shortlisted at the London Football Awards for Community Project of the Year.
Ray Stewart nicknamed Tonka added: “I really enjoyed catching up with some of the fans who have supported the Club for so many years. One of the guys I spoke to remembered that he used to see me in the café opposite the Boleyn Ground, having breakfast in the morning, so we had some great stories and memories to share.
“It’s lovely to speak to the fans who remember my career. They were always so good to me – they took me into their hearts when I came down from Scotland as a wee lad, and that special connection will always be there.”