The West Ham Fan Who Became a Millwall Legend

One former player of both West Ham and Millwall will probably watch Saturday’s game with mixed emotions.

Teddy Sheringham grew up in Highams Park, an area caught between West Ham and Tottenham territory, but it was the Hammers who won his heart. As a young fan, he stood on the old North Bank dreaming of following in the footsteps of his heroes. He once said: “I looked up to Trevor Brooking, Alan Devonshire, David Cross was the main centre-forward at the time. Those were the players I wanted to emulate.”

The former England international was always modest about his time at West Ham.

Reflecting on his spell in East London, he said: “To have the chance to play for my boyhood club, years later, even though I was probably past my best, I was very pleased to do that. I wanted to play for West Ham. Alan Pardew wanted an older head to come in and be around the younger players at the club at the time and help them. I wanted to help.” (whufc.com)

For those Hammers supporters who remember his two seasons at the club, myself included, I have to disagree with the suggestion that he was past his best. Sheringham scored 28 goals in claret and blue, won Hammer of the Year in his first season and was named Championship Player of the Year as West Ham secured promotion back to the Premier League. His achievements were all the more remarkable given that he was in the twilight of a career that ultimately stretched until the age of 42.

What made Sheringham such a special player was not blistering pace or physical dominance, but his football intelligence. He possessed an exceptional first touch, outstanding awareness and an ability to read the game several moves ahead of everyone else on the pitch. While he could operate as an out-and-out striker, he was equally effective dropping into deeper areas, linking play and creating chances for teammates. Sheringham was in my opinion the complete thinking footballer, capable of scoring goals himself while also making those around him better players.

Nonetheless, it was at Millwall that he made his mark in the professional game. He spent almost a decade at The Den, making more than 200 appearances and scoring 100+ goals. Forming a devastating partnership with Tony Cascarino, Sheringham played a pivotal role in helping the Lions achieve promotion to England’s top flight in the 1987/88 season. Despite enjoying an extraordinary career with other clubs including Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Portsmouth and Colchester Town, Sheringham has often spoken fondly of his time at Millwall, describing those years among his happiest memories in football.

As West Ham and Millwall prepare to renew their rivalry, Sheringham remains one of the rare figures whose career is intertwined with both clubs. Admired on both sides of the divide, he left a lasting impression wherever he played. From the North Bank to the pitches of The Den, White Hart Lane, Old Trafford and later back to his beloved West Ham as a player, Sheringham’s story is a reminder that intelligence, professionalism and an unwavering love of the game can leave a legacy every bit as enduring as trophies and goals.

It’s a lesson many modern footballers could do well to learn!