Our writer Bryan Steers has a look at the West Ham career of his Uncle’s Godfather, Ernie Gregory.
Ernie Gregory
Born: 10th November 1921
West Ham Player: 1936 – 1959
Ernest Gregory grew up in the heartland of West Ham United – Stratford – after coming into the world late in 1921. He developed his footballing talent playing for West Ham boys where he was spotted by the then West Ham manager Charlie Paynter at the English boys Trophy Final at Upton Park.
Joining the West Ham United ground staff in 1936, he continued to play as an amateur for Leytonstone in the Isthmian League before signing for West Ham United in 1938. His football league debut, however, came much later.
Serving with the Essex Regiment and the RAF during World War II, Ernie still managed to appear in 60 games. Then, on 28thDecember 1946 Ernie played his debut League game, against Plymouth Argyle, in front of 17,000 fans at Upton Park. Helping West Ham United to a 4-1 win, Ernie went on to play another 9 games that season.
The following 1947-1948 season, Ernie played in all 42 league games and in doing so helped West Ham United finish in a creditable 6thposition in Division Two. The following season, unfortunately, Ernie was hampered by injury, finishing the season with only 28 appearances.
By 1949-1950 season, Ernie was back to his ever present best. He appeared in all 42 league games and helping West Ham United avoid relegation with a 19thplace finish.
A further injury during the 1951-1952 season affected Ernie which saw him miss 14 games, but he returned to the West Ham United line up to show some scintillating form following this. The consistency and level of Ernie’s performance earned him a call up to the England ‘B’ side for a friendly against France in 1952.
Ernie continued to be a stalwart of the West Ham United side right up to his final 1958-1959 season, making a total of 408 league and cup appearances. This stood as a goalkeeping record for several decades, until the emergence of Phil Parkes (who went on to make 436 appearances between 1979-1990).
On 5thSeptember 1959 at the age of 38, Gregory played his last game for West Ham United in a 1-2 defeat against Leeds United. He received a testimonial the following year, against LD Alajuelense of Costa Rica and was awarded the Football League long service medal upon his retirement.
Reluctant to end his association with West Ham United, Ernie began coaching the reserve team, later taking on the role of first-team coach with special responsibility for goalkeeping. He then went on to take up an admin role for the club and eventually retired in May 1987, ending a 51 year career with the Hammers. Even after retirement, Ernie couldn’t stay away and continued to visit the Chadwell Heath training ground for chats with Academy director Tony Carr and other club staff.
In March 2010 Ernie was taken ill in his Goodmayes home, suffering a stroke, and took time to recover at a rest home in Dagenham. The respect of fans and players alike is clear, with visitors and well-wishers from the likes of Billy Bonds, Ronnie Boyce, Geoff Pike and Brian Dear.
Ernie’s loyalty and devotion throughout his career mark him out as a true West Ham United legend.
Find us on Twitter @Forever_WestHam
