10. John Sissons – The youngest player to score in an FA Cup Final at Wembley. He scored 37 times in 213 appearances for the club during the glorious years of 1962-1970.
9. Dean Ashton – Not one with numerous appearances, Deano’s career was tragically cut short due to long term injury struggles after a broken ankle suffered while away on England duty. A big striker and one of the last true number 9’s, Ashton had a strike rate of 15 goals in 46 appearances. A great talent was lost when he was forced to retire in 2009, aged just 26.
8. Vic Keeble – While it is tough to know how he would rate against the players of today, Keeble is on this list because of his incredible strike rate. Although he only enjoyed a short stay at West Ham due to injury (sound familiar?), he managed to score 45 goals in 76 appearances from 1957-1960.
7. Frank McAvennie – In two stints with the club, first from 1985-1987 and again from 1989-1992, making 153 appearances and scoring 49 goals. While not the most consistent striker, he formed a great partnership with Tony Cottee and snubbed a move to Arsenal to return to West Ham from Celtic.
6. David Cross – Playing from 1977-1982, Cross scored 77 goals in 179 appearances for the club. Cross was a member of the squad that won the historic 1980 FA Cup Final over Arsenal, and was a winner of the Golden Boot in the 1980-1981 season.
5. Clyde Best – The first black player for West Ham (making his debut at age 18) and indeed one of the first in the league, Best quickly made people respect him as a footballer. From 1968-1976, Best scored 47 goals in 186 appearances.
4. Carlos Tevez – A sentimental favorite, Tevez is known more for his love and respect for West Ham United than for his scoring record. However, his goal against Manchester United in the 1-0 victory secured West Ham’s safety in 2007 on the last day of the season, completing the epic Greatest Escape. Everyone remembers his cross-armed celebration at West Ham, and since leaving Upton Park, Tevez has had nothing but good things to say about the club, and refuses to celebrate when he scores against West Ham.
3. Paolo Di Canio – Where to begin? His skill? His loyalty? His personality? From 1999-2003, Di Canio dazzled fans with his flair and eye for goal, scoring 48 goals in 118 appearances, including that volley against Wimbeldon. His personality was (and is) explosive and honest, endearing him to fans everywhere. His loyalty to West Ham continues to this day, as he has stated his desire to return to Upton Park in some capacity, and everyone remembers the tears he shed in the tunnel.
2. Tony Cottee – A Hammer through and through, Cottee made his debut at age 17 in 1983, scoring against Tottenham. He served two prolific spells with the club, 1982-1988 and 1994-1996. He scored 116 goals on 280 appearances. One of the last true goal scorers, Cottee lurked in and around the box, ready to pounce at any moment. A joy to watch, he has never denied his lifelong love for West Ham. The video of his reaction to the club’s relegation this past year says it all. A great player, and genuine person, a real West Ham hero.
1. Sir Geoff Hurst – Does this need an explanation? A hat-trick in England’s only World Cup triumph of ’66, he’s a member of the Holy Trinity alongside Moore and Peters. 180 goals in 411 appearances doesn’t even come close to describing this man’s contribution to West Ham. Winner of the World Cup, FA Cup (1964), and European Cup Winner’s Cup (1965). A real ambassador for the club at this point, he’s a living legend. Words fail to grasp his significance for West Ham and indeed within the English game.
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wheres bryan pop robson johnny byrne john dick even players like trever morley billy jennings and alan taylor would rank higher than john sissons but thanks for the list it brought back memorys im glad clydey best got a mention i read your article the other day about him he wasnt an alltime great at westham though in the 71 72 season he was great for a big man he had a bit of skill i can remember him several times that season nutmeging defenders and going past them with ease he had a great shot on him i remember him shooting from 30 yards against either chelsea or stoke and he hit the woodwork he had a similar shot against stoke 75 76 season i think if ever a big man never used his obvious size advantage it was c b he wasnt agressive enough but 71 72 season was his as an 11 year old he was my hero
No Vic Watson – very strange given that he’s our top scorer of all time and of a season
Johnny Sissons was a winger! Every one forgets Budgie Byrne?
Totally agree with Jim about Pop Robson who must rank as one of the best English strikers not to win a full England cap. He just never missed the target and seemed to play so well with Trevor B. As a regular supporter since the sixties, my list would also include Geoff Hurst, Johnny Byrne, David Cross, Frank McAvennie, Tony Cottee, John Hartson, Paulo Di Canio, Carlos Tevez (for the brief time he played for us) and then take your pick from Trevor Morley, Freddie Kanoute, Billy Jennings or Paul Kitson. If Dean Ashton had not suffered his career ending injury, I think he might have rated along with the best.
John Sissons was a winger not a striker. No Pop Robson or Vic Watson? Even Trevor Morley should be in ahead of John Sissons
I’d agree with the others about Pop Robson. He was my favourite player in the 70’s (other than Sir Trev). Also, where’s Paul Goddard?
1> geoff hurst, 2> Vic watson, 3> bryan ‘pop’ robson, 4> paulo di canio, 5> frank mcAvennie, 6> vic keeble, 7> tony cottee, 8> david cross, 9> jimmy quinn, 10> alan taylor.
Besides the lack of Pop, not bad choices. Best was my first idol in WH too (along Bobby Ferguson). One thing though: it’s à myth that Tevez (lovely) goal against ManU saved us. 0-0 had been enough, so if to high light one player in that game it should be Green…