This week, Gary celebrates West Ham's UEFA Conference League win over Fiorentina and recounts a story from his time in east London.
The Trophy Drought is Over
It’s been a long time between drinks for West Ham fans when it comes to celebrating major trophies. The club was named in 1900 and this week’s Uefa Europa Conference League success was only their third piece of continental silverware in that time. They have won the English FA Cup three times and reached a high of third in the top-flight division in 1985-86. They also supplied the captain of the England team, Bobby Moore, that won the 1966 World Cup.
So, understandably, the drinks will be flowing in east London after their 2-1 win over Fiorentina ended a 43-year trophy drought. The Hammers fans are famous for their singing of I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles at their home ground, which is now the London Olympic Stadium used for the 2012 Games.
Our gaffer as you've never seen him before! 🤣 pic.twitter.com/e1JzNuioA4
— West Ham United (@WestHam) June 8, 2023
Hammers Only
I found Upton Park a far more intimidating place to visit, for a non-Hammer. I’ve previously explained that I’ve been a Chelsea fan for many years and have lived in London, and I’ve watched a lot of games up and down the land. And it was at a West Ham vs Chelsea match that I counted my blessings that I still had all my teeth and limbs on the Tube back from the stadium.
You see, I went along with a Cockney friend (John) who was a lifelong Hammer and a season ticket holder. For the price of £25 and a few pints, he offered me a ticket next to him in the home stand as his best mate was busy that afternoon. I jumped at the opportunity.
I was aware, as an “outsider” of the rules. Wear neutral clothing – fortunately it was winter – so a zipped-up bomber jacket, scarf, jeans and “wellies” worked well, stay close to him at all times and let him do the speaking.
We went into the pub near the stadium before the game and he ordered a couple of pints. The first went down in less than 10 minutes and it was time for another. He ordered and paid. In the time he had taken to have the pints pulled, someone had made idle chat with me. You know, team news, how “we’re going to smash the Chels snobs and plastic fans” … just the usual pre-game warm-up. The pints arrived and although I hadn’t said a word, but smiled and nodded, John sensed something was up.
The other guy had returned to his own group and was talking at them while pointing at me. John told me to drink up. It took all of two minutes for me to get through half the pint before he said, “we’re leaving”. This was a Hammers-only pub and the other guy sensed I was not one of them. We left hurriedly and as we exited the pub door three guys (think Jason Statham) also made their way to the door.
We got out and out of nowhere a policeman on horseback arrived and blocked the entrance. It was a matter of seconds, not minutes. We were outside, they were in. I was told off by the policeman that I was a silly young man who should know better. He used a bit more colourful language.
Hear from the hero of last night 🗣 pic.twitter.com/lxlF8dSm8w
— West Ham United (@WestHam) June 8, 2023
Close Encounters
Situation averted, we went inside Upton Park and sat in the home section. John had given me a West Ham beanie to pull on. West Ham went 1-0 up and everyone erupted in joy. John pulled me to my feet; fortunately no-one had noticed, and I clapped and fake-cheered for the hosts. Then, Chelsea equalised. I spontaneously did a double fist-pump and let out a “yessssss!”, all while seated, of course. Next to me was silence.
There was that split second when the penny dropped. The lone “West Ham fan” in the home section cheering a Chelsea goal. John then grabbed me and swore at me – and frog-marched me out. He later said it was the only way to make it authentic. Outside, he told me to take the first tube and get away from Upton Park. While walking, rather quickly, towards the Underground station I heard a massive cheer. West Ham had scored to make it 2-1. All was right with the world again in that corner of London. And I had been silly.
So, to any West Ham fan out there reading this, a heartfelt congratulations on winning the Uefa Europa Conference League. I love your passion and loyalty to your club. You deserve the good days, so celebrate this long and hard. Football needs die-hard fans to support their clubs through thick and thin, and when it comes to unwavering commitment, you’re right at the top of the table.
