Last week saw the birthday of West Ham United legend Trevor Brooking – and in an era where the term legend is used far too freely, he definitely befits the title.
Brooking is an absolute Hammers hero, having played every game of his career, bar two, for West Ham. He also was instrumental in our two FA Cup wins whilst he was at the club, scoring the winner in the 1980 final against Arsenal, and also scoring in a 2-1 win against West Brom in the 1975 FA Cup campaign.
And let’s not forget that he had a brief managerial role at the club, stepping in when Glenn Roeder’s health meant that he could not continue to lead the club. That season ultimately ended in relegation, but under Brooking’s reign we notched up wins against Manchester City and Arsenal to take it down to the last day of the season.
Sadly for Hammers fans, Brooking had already decided that management was not for him, and so he is affectionately known as the ‘best manager we never had.’
I’m gutted that I wasn’t alive to see Brooking bossing the midfield in person, and am jealous of anyone who had the privilege to. He had what not many footballers have nowadays: class, control and respectability.
I was able to speak to an employee of the FA who is in charge of the country’s referees, and she told me with a laugh that Brooking considers the impact on West Ham before considering how to react to a decision. And I don’t doubt it!
I’ll leave you with Mr. Brooking’s reaction to having a stand named after him at Upton Park: “It is obviously a terrific honour (to have the stand named after me), which I am very grateful for because this is my club. It will be my club forever. The great thing was being able to spend my whole career with West Ham, having a stint as caretaker manager and as a director. I still try and get to most of the home games. On my travels, if I am in a cab or something then everyone talks to me about West Ham because they know I am associated with the club. It is something I am only too pleased about whenever it happens. We have a very passionate and loyal support.” Sir Trev, you’re bloody great.
Do you have a favourite memory of Brooking? Tweet me at @alwaysintune or leave a comment.
you don’t what you missed – the hammers in the 1970’s and early 1980’s were brilliant. This team is are almost ther there with their never say attitude