It was an afternoon of pure joy …a Family Affair and wherever we watched it we were all involved in a wonderful party for a fabulous bloke.
Dean Ashton almost stole the day and his incredible overhead goal is already trending on Twitter, PDC scored, Mark grabbed his own and pantomime villain David James played the crowd to the hilt whilst, Adrian ‘beat’ player after player to score !
All of these and many more events on a fun filled afternoon brought smiles, elation, suspended belief (the Deano goal) and a range of emotions some of us didn’t even know we possessed.
But there was one moment above all others that showed West Ham THE FAMILY of those present and DEPARTED!
It came when Dylan Tombides’ brother Taylor burst forward and chipped in a magnificent effort – a strike of the highest quality at any level of the game..
He immediately looked upwards and pointed to the heavens dedicating his goal to a sibling brother who had died far too young. DYLAN HAD BEEN REMEMBERED ON THIS VERY SPECIAL DAY.
I thank Mark Noble for bringing so many former heroes back together, I thank him for the fun and entertainment, I thank him for his ongoing contribution to the Hammers cause and his dedication to our great club.
But I was so glad that Dylan was remembered on a day that will live long in our memories.
A young man who died far far too young was given his place this afternoon by a brother who made no secret of what that goal meant to him and his family.
A great day – a truly great day.
Can’t disagree with any of that except your opening few words, which seem inadvertently inappropriate.
Thanks Markro – changed!!!!
Deano’s goal was brilliantly taken. What a player he would have been!
I’m pretty sure that it was Wright-Phillips who put an end to his career in England training. Tragic.
Yes it was Phillips , never forgave him .
He stole Ashton’s career in a tackle that should never have happened between players on england duty . Wreck less and self centred !
But that aside what a goal ,what a day !!!!.
Very poignant when Taylor scored and pointed up to Dylan. Brought a tear to my eye.
The article put it perfectly. Good job C+H! Fantastic day for all in the WHU family!
A poignant, touching moment indeed.
The best bit about this goal for me was when every single person in the ground, stood up, and applauded. It wasn’t a normal goal celebration. It was a minutes long applause as every single person in the ground knew what that goal meant. Was a moment which I was glad I was there to see and be a part of.