It has been announced that Ludo is to leave his position as the club’s goal keeping coach. The reasons cited are ill health. In honour of Ludo, I would like to use this blog post to flag up four of the very best displays by Hammers goal keepers in recent memory.
In pole position we have Ludo’s very own monumental second half performance against Manchester Utd in the last match of the 1994-95 season. The whole West Ham team that day battled Man Utd ‘tooth and nail’ in a display of commitment, pace and skill. However, with the game dead locked at 1-1 Ludo had a golden last quarter of the match, in which he seemed to erect a one man brick wall, to keep out the increasingly desperate Utd attacks, including the one that resulted in that final stunning point blank save from Andy Cole.
We fans knew nothing of him, when he was signed from the Czech league during Lou Macari ’s brief managerial reign, but he went on to become a much loved figure at the club. Ludo put in many fine performances in the Hammers green jersey, but he will always be remembered for that stunning ‘last ditch’ save from Andy Cole that denied Man Utd the title. Not a bad highlight in a great and loyal career at the football club. Is it?
Secondly, we have Phil Parkes’ defiance of WBA in the 3rd round FA Cup tie, away at the Hawthorns, in January 1980. WBA outplayed us in that match, putting our rearguard under intense pressure. The West Ham defence stood up well, but WBA still breached it on a number of occasions. And every time that they did, Big Phil Parkes was there pulling off save after save! We got a draw and defeated them 3-1 in the reply and, as we all know, we went on to win the Cup that season, with a superb 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the Final.
Billy Bonds, in his autobiography, recalled the quality and magnitude of that display by Parkes and how crucial it was to the Hammers progressing in the competition. Amidst the post-match victory celebrations at Wembley he recalled looking over to Parkes and thinking, we would not even have got here if it had been for you, big man! What a great tribute to Parkes from one of the greatest Hammers skippers of all time!
Thirdly, I would nominate Mervyn Day’s debut as a 17 year old against Ipswich Town, at Portman Road, in 1973. Day’s debut was a trial by fire! Bobby Robson’s Ipswich laid seige to our goal and the young man stopped everything thrown at him to earn a valuable draw. After the match, Ron Greenwood famously said that Day would be the Hammers keeper for the next ten years!
Sadly, Greenwood’s prediction proved to be wide of the mark. By 1978 Day was displaced as first choice custodian at the club and soon after left for Leyton Orient. Yet, for three seasons or so Day was probably the brightest goalkeeping prospect in English football. He left with a FA Cup Winners medal, a ECWC Finalist medal and a number of England U-21 caps; and memories of that fantastic debut and a memorable tribute from Greenwood.
My final choice has to be Rob Green’s superb goal keeping performance against Arsenal, at the Emirates, in the ‘great escape’ of 2006-07. Yes, Zamora scored the winner in a 0-1 victory, but equally vital was the performance of Green in defying the gooners onslaught on our goal. It was one of those games that we should have lost by rights, but for all Arsenal’s dominance they just could not find a way past Green.
So that’s my brief trip down goalkeeping memory lane, in honour of big Ludo. Four stories and four great goal keeping performances! Any others spring to mind?
SJ. Chandos.
The worst 2 goalies we have had were Steve D,eath and Peter Grotier!Phil Parkes was the best keeper but Mervyn Day just lost his form and had the goalies version of the golf analogy the 'yips'.
surely Allen McKnight
Actually we beat WBA 2-1 in the reply. Also, Mervyn Day made his debut against Ipswich in August 1973 at Upton Park the game was a 3-3 draw, i was there at the game.
Green's performance against the Gooners was probably the best goalkeeping performance – over a full 90 minutes – that I've ever seen. I think Arsenal had something like 27 shots on target.
LLUUDOO!!! LLUIDOO!!!
He is a man mountain and a really nice humble guy.
I had the privilage to watch his whole career at West Ham and the pleasure to meet him at the training ground a couple of times when they allowed fans to visit.
Parkes was also a great, but his doddgy knees got the better of him later in his career.
I do regret Ludo didn’t start in the league cup semi-final against Oldham on thor plastic pitch which received the headline St Valentines Massacre
As we lost 6-0 because two of those goals were caused by him not being able to get down to save in the way he used to.
We won the replay 4 nil, even today I beleive we would have been in one cup final in those three years when we lost heavily in semis.
Long will live the memories that the great man has left with me!
I agree with Roy – Green seemed superhuman against Arsenal that day. Any chance of that happening over the next two games Mr Green?
Jimmy Walker vs Chelsea in the Carling Cup a few years back, a joy to behold from the little man
SJ Chandos….How could you have left out the greatest goalkeeping performance by a West Ham goalkeeper!
I can still remember it to this day, in fact I seem to remember the Daily Express having a whole series of photo's showing every breathtaking save.
Bobby Ferguson put in a performance versus Arsenal at Highbury in 1968 that gave us an unbelievable 0 0 draw after being over run from the first to the last whistle.
Whatever happened to Bobby Ferguson?
So Mcarthy makes the squad,heres zola game plan you can read him like a book.
It will be 4 5 1 until they score 2,then we switch to 4 4 2 on come dyer and fat pants.
Chrischris. You don't give players much of a chance do you? McCarthy will be a very good signing for us. I can't see him used against Chelsea or Arsenal from the start but I think he will make a big impact. Cole will enjoy playing alongside him.
mcfatty will do nothing for us,money down the drain.
Mido money down the drain,Ilan is crap in training apparently ,more money down the drain,franco don't even have a shot,more money down the drain.
West ham in a complete mess,Zola will take us down,as I've said all along.
I've looked at the run ins for everyone,I've got us third.
Zola is worse than rodent.
Andy I cant Believe you have Spector and Kovac ahead of Diamanti,the only fella with any creativity.
Don't take offense how old are you andy?
Perhaps my memory is playing tricks but I was there on the wet Monday night when Mervyn made his debut. Despite his great performances subsequently I remember him having a very shakey debut and being partly to blame for two of Ipswich's goals. He made his debut beacause on the Saturday before Bobby Ferguson went over John McDowell and was stretchered off. Bobby went to Australia to sell cars.
Cheers, Billericay, thanks for the memories! I remember seeing the Bobby Ferguson/John McDowell clash on MOTD on the evening of April 14, 1973. If I remember rightly, Clyde Best had to go in goal about mid-way through the second half. Leeds scored after that, and it looked like that they would take all two points. However, I think Patsy Holland, although I am not sure, scored at the death to get a point for the Hammers. Mervyn Day did not play for West Ham in the 1972-73 season. Those who witnessed Mervyn Day make his debut state it was against Ipswich Town in a 3-3 draw at Upton Park. This was on August 27, 1973 in the 1973-74 season.
Cheers Romehammer for the (very vague) memories of my own. This was my very first Upton Park experience as a wee 8 year old nipper and Dad took me to my first game. Can still the recall the sound of Bobby Ferguson's kneck going. This on top of the excitement of my first hammers game was all too much for me and the next thing I remember is being passed down over the heads of the fans to the St;Johns people by the advertising hoardings and a large wet sponge bringing me round again. I got to see the rest of the match from pitch side (which in those days really was pitch side). And yes we did salvage a draw. Not that I had any other choice being born in Barking but my rollercoaster ride as a fullyfledged lifelong West Ham Fan was sealed in that ninety minutes. COYI
Ludo, mmm, difficult one that. I wish him all the best in the future, and hope that he speedily recovers from ill health.
As for the goalkeeper. I will have to go against the grain and say that for me he rather blotted his copybook after a game during Redknapp's reign away to Derby when Ludo kept throwing the ball out to Derby's attackers. Eventually they scored. I think it was in the 1997-98 season and West Ham lost 2-0. There was something exceedingly dodgy about it all then. For me the best keeper West Ham have had in the modern era is Phil Parkes.
Rome…I love the hint of scandal. Never heard that one before but I will be sure to pass it on to my nest of gossip mongers.
My favourite, unsubstantiated urban is that Bobby Moore is or was the father of Clive Allen. Terrible slur on all concerned, but the resemblance is uncanny.
Love it, Lofty. It might explain why Clive Allen was such a good footballer. I know that he is famous for being a Spud and scoring 49 goals in the 1986-87 season, but he was a Stepney boy, who did come home; and with the Hammers he averaged nearly a goal every two games. Not bad. I always thought it was odd that he only played five games for England.
I'm sure this is only coincidence, but Mooro used to be a neighbour of the Allen family when they lived in Hornchurch. Shocking innuendo, I know, but gossip is gossip. Clive's dad Les was a Tottenham player. As now, when Spurs are away, West Ham play at home.
Wonder if Mooro did a bit of playing away himself.
Yellow card for Lofty, sorry.
Obviously, you have been one ahead of The Sun and the News of the World for years! Still, there might still be a few bob, and a lawsuit, in the tale yet!
I hope that if Ludo is ill it's not serious. I have great memories of him keeping goal and his performance against Manchester Utd in the last match of the 1994-95 season is the highlight. I could not believe how hard he worked to keep them out. (Shame about the soft goal -not Ludo's fault-that got them back to 1-1.) Still good luck to Ludo, a true WHU legend. We have been lucky to have some great keepers. My personal fav. = Phil. Parkes, some times it looked like we only had Parkes and Bonds on the pitch against eleven.
[...] #8 Four Great West Ham Goal Keeping Performances | West Ham Till I DieIt has been announced that Ludo is to leave his position as the club's goal keeping coach. The reasons cited are ill health. In honour of Ludo, I would like. [...]
Pil Parks saves more shots than Durex Lol…..1980 cup final
For those who would like to see Mervyn Day playing in a way that inspired Ron Greenwood'a hyperbole then check out YouTube 1975-76 West Ham v Derby (The Big Match). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IImQvrzjzks&fe...
My team to face Chelsea
Green
Spector Tomkins Upson Daprela
Dyer Collison Kovac Parker Behrami
Cole
This team has an awful lot of stamina and pace and no little skill. I feel the the trio of Collison, Parker and Kovac in the middle can really stifle Chelsea. We can't risk Diamanti for this game otherwise we will get torn apart. I would bring him on in the 2nd half when the players are tiring.
I honestly would fancy us if we started with this midfield.
Why would I play Dyer right Midfield? Because Chelsea have issues at left back. Currently they are playing Ferreira there. Dyer can exploit this. Also Behrami will offer a little more security for young Daprela.
Parker and Collison can get forward from time to time as Kovac will stay in front of the back 4.
All of you calling for Tomkins to be dropped need to remember that he has been outstanding this last couple of months and yes had a couple of stinkers – but we don't have anyone else better than Upson and Tomkins. Tomkins has played some superb games for us too.
Faubert is supposed to be injured for tomorrow which is a shame so Spector will have to fill in at right back.
Why no Franco? Terry and Alex are not the most mobile and love the slower players. Franco has sublety but not enough to trouble these two. besides, we need to play 5 in midfield tomorrow and have players with pace.
Why no McCarthy? I would start him at home but not for this game. He is a 442 player anyway. He is without doubt our 2nd best striker and will prove this in the coming games.
Why no Mido? Terry and Alex will love to play against him with his power and height. They will just cancel each other out.
We need speed and trickery and players who are not going to be easy to pick up – hence runners from midfield – especially Dyer and Parker.
Andy, not sure I'd start with Dyer… I think he needs serious nursing back into real football if he's to stand any chance of playing regularly in future… so I'd use him sparingly for the rest of this season and see how he goes with a full pre-season under his belt next year…
Tomkins needs to become a proper centre-half. Needs to toughen up. Needs to stop worrying about the crease in his hair. Needs to get himself a few yellow cards. Needs to frighten a few forwards. Any centre forward worth their salt would love to play against him… far too much of a nice-boy…
Zola and Clarke please show some genuine emotion if by any chance go 1 up or actually win.Your reaction off the pitch is a response to your team,s performance on it and it is about time both of you left that near bankrupt club[under Ken Bates] behind ,after all it was lucky the Russki chose Chelski instead of any other club on his helicopter journey cos with any luck they would have gone out of business but lucky the sugar daddy kept them going by buying every top player availiable and paying massive salaries to keep them kissing their badges.
I am sure I have seen Zola,s ability in a crisis is to go into his Sicilian shell which on the management side you cant be seen to portray and players look for a lift of some sort but he just does not have that style or swagger to exude any confidence and if plan A is to score first and hold on plan B is trouble and no way back if we go 1 down.
We really are lucky there are very poor sides below us and against your Blues Zola let me see if you can become a true Claret and Blue,I very much doubt it !
Parkes was the No1 for me, with Ludo in second. I never remember Parkes not giving 100%, and have to say at times Greeno could learn a lot from him even now.
If we come away with anything tomorrow it would be a huge bonus, but I have to say I realistically fear the worst but would love to be proved completely wrong. Here's hoping! COYI
I would buy the biggest reel of gaf tape you can get and wrap it around dyers legs,he has to start somewhere.Get Behrami and Parker snapping in midfield dont give lumpard time on the ball.his average when you put him under pressure.
Cole should rub shoulders with Terry all afternoon,I reckon he should roast him a couple of times at least,probably want to many touches in the box thou.
Who ever plays full back should be told to stay wide and not tuck in,coz we're crap at defending crosses,lets stop the cross coming in the first place.
and finally can we move the ball quick coz its the key to all good football Zola,your mob are the slowest ball moving west ham team I've ever seen,with Kovac the biggest culprit.Games all about pace,no fatties please COYI!!!!!!
Wasn’t Greenwood’s comment actually that Day would go on to be ‘England’s’ keeper for the next ten years?
But don’t forget that Day did later go on to have a long career at the top level, making over 200 appearances for Leeds – including winning a league winners medal in 1992.
I saw him playing for Carlisle in 1994 – 20 yesrs after he made his West Ham debut!
Chris alternatively get the fatties to squash Terry he would probably love it!
LOL
I alwats thought the Greenwood quote was that Day would go onto to be 'England's' keeper for the next 10 yrs?
But don't forget that Day did later go on to play at the top level, making over 200 appearances for Leeds, including a league winners medal in 1992.
I saw him playing for Carlisle in 1994 – 20 years after his WHU debut!
ChrisChris. You need to understand that fans on here have opinions rightly or wrongly.
My opinion a couple of weeks ago was to drop Diamanti for the Man Utd game to go 451 as i thought we would get roasted by Valencia. I seem to remember you castigating me for this. Diamanti was shown up that day.
I say again I am a fan of his, but when you go away to Chelsea, you don't play him left wing, in a 442 again. Surely Zola will learn his lesson.
Oh, and to reply to your comment. "Andy, no offense but How old are you? I'm 35? I don't know what your point is here but I've been going to West ham games since I was 5 and remember some great teams and some bloody terrible ones. But, for you to say we are the slowest ball moving west ham team you've seen? Full of fatties?
I also wasn't a fan of Kovac but over the last couple of months you have to give him credit.
I would go as far as to say that we have a lot more energy in our midfield than the vast majority of teams in the Premier.
Parker, Behrami, Collison, Kovac and hopefully today dyer – would provide a stern test for chelsea. We could smother them with this team.
This is why I would not start with Diamanti. Like I said, I want us to be in the game with 25 mins to go- then he would be a great sub to bring on.
I also maintain that you can't judge McCarthy until he plays a few games. You will see him in our next home game- He and Cole are our best Partnership.
Stop all the negativity. You are the type of person who says that Parker, Cole and Behrami are crap if they have one game. I rarely hear you say something positive about the players or indeed anything about the club. I'm not even sure why you bother going to the games
tour are entitles to your opinion mate,I fully agree.
Your entitled sorry,
I would never say parker,collison are crap,If we drop Diamanti there will be no balance what so ever in the team,If we are to score against chelsea,it will be a free kick,prob,all respect mate.
We wont score mate Carlton pulls out the white flag Mido and Mccartney no hope i would have bought Sir Paul Mccartney ,50 grand a week , he did nothing at Blackburn! Chelsea are too slick and will murder us then hopefully Zola will stay in the stadium and tell the press how hard we never tried and resign at least he will be at his sabbatical home and feel loved,to get your team booed off at half-time last week was the nail in his lid!
Ferguson has shown all season long how to get the best out a good centre forward in an attacking 4-5-1 with 2-3 players prepared to bust their @rses to get up and down the pitch. Kudos to Fletcher, Valencia and especially Park.
I know we ain't Manu, and Cole aint Rooney… but we can adapt a similar style and have quality throughout, without the need for a left footer on the left… at least for away games…
So, in essence, I agree Andy…but not sure Dyer can start, I think he needs nursing a bit for another while yet..
I agree. Dyer is far from ideal but he is the only player we can put there who can put severe pressure on Ferreira. He has lightening pace also. I'm also saying start dyer on the right wing and give young daprela cover with behrami in front of him. Either that or Collison
Until Boa Morte comes back we will always struggle left midfield but dyer could be the short term solution
Sounds like Hilario is out and they'll be playing Ross Turnbull instead… shame, cos Hilario could have been our 12th player today.
Shoot on sight me thinks… crosses from all angles…. give Turnbull an early thump or two in the box… how good can he be if he's behind Hilarious…
Ludo against Leeds at Elland Road, New Years day 92 if remember. 0-0 draw Leeds won the title that year and were absolutley battering us, but Ludo made save after save.
And worst goal keeping performance, Mcknightmare against Luton in the Littlewods Cup (as was). Dont recall seeing anything like it before or since from a west ham keeper
You can judge our side and currently all of our players are playing shite!Bolton away capitulated, Pompey away clueless on how to defend against donuts,Danny bloody Webber I ask you! Bolton at home never competitive,Burnley away Fatty Fifty yes Fifty grand a week old has been Mccartney could not finish his lunch,Kovac show pony struts like a peacock ,vidal sassoon Da Costa man you look a donut and play like one!The least competitive and unconfident Hammers team for years go one down down go the heads.
What about taking and defending set pieces no imagination or organisation a poor team with limited ability lucky there are 3 worse below us,Spector I would have Phil Spector and he is doing time !You cant defend the Indefenceable!
Aussie I agree you can't defend the indefensible, however with the resource at our disposal what else can we do? Come the end of the season there will be a root and branch overhaul of the current set up, (if it has not already been done). No manager in my lifetime has had to put up with the shackles Zola has, We all need to get behind the club and help ouselves push up the table, who ever we play.
Digressing slightly, any tips for the first day of Cheltenham would be gratefully received!
WHAT I WANT TO SEE: Carlton Cole bashing the daylights out of rookie Chelsea keeper Ross Turnbull the first time he gets the chance.
WHAT I EXPECT TO SEE: Carlton Cole fannying around trying to show Chelsea fans what a nice footballer he is and how he wishes he was still playing for them.
All CC needs to do is cast his mind back 8 days and remember how Kevin Davies got stuck in, muscled us out of it and left us looking like a bunch of girls
Cheers for posting that SJ. Ludo was held in extremely high regard and it's fitting that we pay tribute to him and the service that he gave to our beloved club.