Thanks Mark but this moment topped all

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.