Almost 30 years ago, the Irons scored one of their most remarkable wins in their history against Newcastle United, as the Boys of the 85-86 campaign marched on to claim their highest ever League position – third place in the old First Division.
That’s probably one of the reasons why Monday night’s Premier League game against the Magpies has been chosen as a live Sky Sports broadcast, and why so many of John Lyall’s team will be turning out and mingling with the fans on an autumnal evening in the Capital.
Tony Cottee, who’ll be one of those returning to the Boleyn, said: “It’s going to be fantastic to catch up with Frank McAvennie and Mark Ward again. I see a lot of the other lads, but it’s always special to see those two because they are now [living] up north.
“Frankie and myself benefited from a fantastic midfield and this was an unforgettable season. It will be a great night for everybody.”
I haven’t watched all of this yet (I’m at work) but I’ll tell you, the thing I really like is the distinct lack of showboating. Score a goal, pick up the ball, head back to midfield. I also like that there was no rolling around after phantom contact. Good hard foul … get up and take the kick. Nice to see.
Well said, my thoughts too.
I remeber that game well. Newcastle were diabolical; we were fantastic, hence the result.
And for those of us who think the passing game was a recent development ( bought here by the foreigners ), they should notice the severe lack of long balls in our game 30 years ago. That’s the west ham way Allerdyce, Lineker, Lawrenson ………
Always thought Georgie Parris was massively under-rated. Look at his control, runs and through-passes. Great player.
I second that.
I’ll third – always loved George.
Does anyone remember the game when George suddenly passed out.I was there but now im wondering if it was my imagination or it actually happened.Im 99% sure it did & then he had another episode similiar.Maybe i was hallucinating.Quite possible back in those days when i went to matches 😀
Yes it happened. I was there. Might have been against Oxford or Birmingham City.
Ahh rite,cheers,i was sure it happened.Just remember him suddenly collapsing.I was in the West Stand & could remember watching him being stood one minute,flat out the next.But then i thought maybe time was playing games with my mind 😉
Looked into it. It was v Gooners in March 92. What a memorable year that was…
Just reminded me what a fantastic atmosphere we had at games back then. The fact it was standing helped but also the football on the pitch was attack attack attack. That game and the Chelsea away game that season were amongst the best I’ve ever seen.
Bang on fishes !!!!
I was there also , I also remember stopping 2 Geordie fans at Upton park station
Getting upt !!!
They were wearing these huge bell bottom strides , like tents really !!!
Brought back some memories that !!!
Beardsley played well in goal after the keeper got injured ,
Could have had 12 or more goals that night , the passing and movement was brilliant!!
Have a look hippo and weep !!!
Hugh as suggested by all the previous posts, please send a copy of this to Allardyce, Lineker, Keown, Sounness and all the other muppets, take a look at that pitch trully awful yet we were rolling it around with our opponents chasing shadows !!!! That was the West Ham way !!!
TBH I’d forgotten how much I used to enjoy George Play… Remember the “love” for him from the crowd when he scored one of his rare goals…Brilliant … Is it mending the eternal optimist (pre-req for Hammers fans everywhere – or is anybody else getting the sense that we can do the same this year with Dimi’s creativity feeding all our pace AND power throughout the team….? COYI #86again…..