Greatest Ever Hammer

by Blakey
(North Bank)

Bill was simply the best. Not the most skilful player, but with absolute commitment.

I can't remember the number of times he saved us. We might be playing Leeds for example, and Giles, Bremner & co would be 2-0 up and just taking the mick - knocking the ball about. Suddenly here comes Bill, charging out of defence to demolish whoever was on the ball. He'd get booked of course, but the whole team would get a lift.

The crowd start roaring and before you know it we've got one back and are back in the game. My peronal favourite memories - Bill scoring a hat-trick from midfield against Chelsea, and Bill rallying the troops at 4-0 down at half time away at Den Haag, a tie we eventually won.

If anyone other that that idiot Revie had been England manager, Bill not only would have been picked for England early in his career, but he would have been made captain and won bucketloads of caps. Instead of being a hero to legions of Hammers fans throughout the 70's and 80's, he would be a national hero, Sir Bill, etc.

Good on yer Bill!