Every player who pulls on the claret and blue of West Ham is living out the childhood dream of many of the supporters.
But those who seem to truly play with the passion of a fan, on top of their undoubted skill and motivation, are the ones recognised down the years as cult heroes.
After asking almost 500 fans on the Sydney Hammers Facebook group for their opinion, here are the five stand-out cult heroes:
Billy Bonds – The man was a machine and would have died for the claret and blue. The club’s record appearance holder, he played until he was 40 because he was that fit.
During his time, he won two cup winners’ medals before then managing the club when it needed him. He has the total respect of all those he worked with and everyone who knows him.
Trevor Brooking – Sir Trev! West Ham in his blood. Graceful and elegant both on and off the pitch, the Barking born midfielder was a true one club man.
With almost 650 games to his name, arguably his most memorable goal came in the 1980 FA Cup final when he almost squatted to head home the winner.
He also stepped in to manage when the club was in big trouble. Following an iconic playing career, he still holds the best win percentage ratio as a manager in the Club’s history.
Phil Parkes – Voted the Club’s best ever goal keeper in a fan’s poll, Parkes made more than 400 appearances for the club over an 11 year spell.
He was our keeper during some of the greatest moments in our history and was a popular figure between the sticks with both fans and players.
Julian Dicks – The Terminator had two spells with the Hammers. He loved the club and fought his heart out every time he wore the shirt.
Even in defeat he would play with passion to the bitter end. He also came out and supported the fans during the failed Bond scheme.
Paolo Di Canio and Carlos Tevez – It’s slightly cheating putting two players in together, but both deserve a mention as cult heroes of the club.
They both achieved their place in folklore over a relatively short period of time, but their return was high.
They brought incredible skill, flair and passion to the club, and will be remembered for delivering some of the biggest highlights of the past 15 years
NB. Robert Frederick Moore is fully recognised to be above and beyond any top five countdown, and is automatically accepted as the club’s greatest.
Ha, I like the way you’ve dropped the name “Chelsea” from Bobby’s full name.
Obviously you never watched Frank McAvennie. I love Carlos, but Frank did more (almost won us the championship in ’86 and kept us in the top division with a hat-trick in the second half of the last game of the season in his last match!) over a longer period.
Frank even scored a hat trick against an in form Des Walker as a second half sub when we were already relegated and he was being sold without wanting to leave. Macca is the man…COYI
Super Johnny Hartson!!!!!
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