Over the years West Ham United have had their fair share of quality players based at the back, ranging from quality ball players to no nonsense hard tacklers. At a time where big Sam is looking to strengthen the defence it’s interesting to think about our past defenders and who would be an ideal type of candidate for the strengthening of the squad. With many prestigious names donning the Irons shirt in defence it is always a hard challenge to whittle them down to just 10 players however I think the 10 players that I have chosen would be up there in many people’s selections.
10: Stuart Pearce: A marauding left back, hard as iron who led by example, one of the best free kick takers this country has ever seen. Given the nickname “Psycho” for his unforgiving style of play, Pearce was an English footballing legend.
9: Steve Potts: West Ham’s ‘Mr Versatile’, Potts could play anywhere across the back four and could also play in the middle. Making 399 appearances for us he is one of the longest serving Hammers ever.
8: Tomas Repka: an irons favourite who always put everything he had into a game. Always played for the shirt and West Ham were also the only English team he played for. His final appearance for us was an emotional affair which was felt by everyone including the man himself.
7: Frank Lampard Snr: A very attacking left back who was rewarded with England recognition. Also a member of the cup winning squad, Lampard was a West Ham success (shame his son couldn’t follow in his footsteps.)
6: Slaven Bilic: Not only a fantastic centre back Bilic has also turned out as a fantastic manager. His first club was the mighty Irons and we can proudly take credit as the team who launched the defender’s successful career.
5: Rio Ferdinand: He was the complete centre back, he had pace, he could read a game amazingly, he put in a good shift every game and would surely be high on any Hammers fan’s list. If rumours are true Rio may return for a final swan song at Upton Park.
4: Julian Dicks: An all action full back, Dicks is what a team needs from a player of his position, gave 100% every time he set foot on the pitch and led by example.
3: Alvin Martin: A quality centre half who had the lot. He could head the ball well, play it well and tackle well. With everything that is required from a quality centre half Martin was certainly a quality player
2: Billy Bonds: a top defender, Bonds is still known for his no nonsense tackling and ruthless style of play. A West Ham legend and I mean that in every sense of the word.
1: Bobby Moore: Arguably the definition of the word ‘legend’. Moore is in my opinion the best defender ever to have played for us. With his immaculate style of play and always putting himself about the pitch, Moore had it all.
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Tony Gale and Mark Rieper for Repka and Pearce………..and have got to try and find a place for Ian Pierce as well!!.”..instead of Pottsy.
Pearce was very good but past his best, Repka was a ‘mare for his first 3 yes as often as he played well. Loved Pottsy, but have to drop him due to lack of goals!!!
I agree Gale’s got to be in there, but there’s a few more that deserve a spot…..2002 Hammer of the year Sébastien Schemmel, Ray Stewart, Frank Lampard Snr, Stuart Pearce, Alvin Martin…there are so many……….COYI ‘><'
Tomas repka.what a joke of a player that man was you might as well put Gary breen on the list if repka can get in it.
Repka? Do me a favour. Two reds in his first three games does not make him a top ten defender, it makes him a liability.
As for Billic – West Ham his first club? I don’t think so!!! Try Hadjuk Split and Karlsruche, not to mention a couple of loans he had
Personally, I can’t see past Wayne Quinn, Gary Charles, Rigobert Song and Gary Breen 🙂
Yes! Finally someone writes about education.