Do you remember back in 1994 Harry Redknapp subsitituted Lee Chapman in a pre-season friendly against Oxford City? In his place he picked someone from the crowd – a chap called Steve Davies. Well a journalist from Los Angeles has tracked him down and written a fascinating (and very lengthy article) about the experience. It even includes a short interview with the less than legendary Hammers signing Joey Beachamp, as well as Harry’s own story of the match.
“I slung a leg over the barrier and Harry walked me down the tunnel,” says Steve. “What’s your name, son?” Harry asked, sizing up this apparent hooligan. “I couldn’t believe it. Inside the dressing room, the players were sat down resting at half-time.” West Ham were two-nil up, but the team was carrying injuries. “Then Harry and says, ‘Lee you’re off; Steve you’re on.’”
Chapman, shirtless, just nodded. “I asked him, what size boots are you, son?” Redknapp recalls. The kit manager brought Steve a uniform. “Alvin Martin was sat next to me, and as we stood up, he smacked me on the back of the head, like a little livener. We come on up the tunnel and I still thought Harry was having a laugh with me. I didn’t think I was actually gonna get on, or I thought I might get a minute or two as a joke.” The crowd broke into applause as the teams appeared once again.
Read the full feature article HERE