It is with great sadness that I have to announce the passing of Claret & Hugh founder, Hugh Southon. Hugh passed away peacefully at home today, having spent the last few days in the company of his daughter, Katie, and his grandchildren.
Hugh was extremely passionate about West Ham and rightfully proud of building C&H into ‘The West Ham Daily Newspaper’. His passing comes as a shock to me, considering my daily contact with Hugh, who has become a loyal friend over the years.
Hughie was a media professional who worked for many national Fleet Street newspapers and served as the ghostwriter for Hammers legend Bobby Moore. He had a love for family, football, film, cricket, and music, particularly The Rolling Stones.
I will miss his counsel and friendship, and I know that many of the vast number of regular Claret & Hugh readers will miss his passionate post-match reactions and opinionated blogs.
Rest in peace, Hughie mate x
Claret and Hugh founder Hughie Southon
RIP Hughie
I’m stunned. So sorry to read this news. RIP Hugh.
Well said, Gonzo, a good mate who will be missed and a big loss to the WH family. R.I.P. Hughie. X
this is very sad news to hear. i live in Australia and Hugh’s account is the only one i go to for proper Hammers news. on behalf of Aussie Hammers, R.I.P. Hugh, and thank you for your service 💪⚒✌
Such sad news . RIP Hughie , thanks for all your content . ❤️⚒️
On behalf of me and my son Rory Matloob we are devastated to hear the news of Hugh passing
Rory gained great experience in a short time when he contributed and provided articles for Hugh
RIP Hugh
Oh no, I wondered why I haven’t seen a post by Hughie since 19 March! This is very sad news. He will obviously be missed a great deal by all who knew him. God Bless Hughie and R.I.P.
RIP Hugh.
Very sorry to hear this. RIP Hugh – a Hammer to the end.
Gonzo, if and when you have time, would it be possible to give more information on Hughie’s passing? Even though I did not know him personally, I am probably around the same age and felt like he was a true Hammers mate. And I will miss him and his posts.
Sympathies to the family of Hugh. Hugh was someone I often enjoyed arguing with, but always enjoyed reading what he wrote. I shall truly miss him. Bless Hugh, rest in peace.
So sad news.
So sorry to hear this, I didn’t know Hugh personally but I’ve been an avid reader of this website for years. His knowledge and passion were evident. A Hammer with a true history. RIP
Stunned to hear this sad, sad news, a great hammer through and through, old school I loved our communications Hughie. God bless and love to all of your family. Thank you Hughie.
Think we all are.😢⚒
Very sad news, I have enjoyed Hugh’s posts for many years. RIP mate.
Oh my goodness. Bless him. Really gutted. Was only speaking with him the other week when he posted my post Villa article! 🙁
My thoughts to Hugh’s family and their terrible loss. I didn’t know Hugh personally but after years of reading his comments and articles he was like a good friend. RIP
So sorry to hear about Hughie’s passing. I always enjoyed his honest, no-nonsense posts. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Always the go to site
RIP Hugh
RIP Hugh
RIP
Hughie was my friend and I am missing him