As Tony Hanna re-visits his excellent nostalgia articles, I thought I’d go through some Hammer of the Year winners who I’ve previously written about in the ‘Club Connections’ section of my match previews. Today we take a look at the 1973 winner of the coveted prize as voted for by the supporters…
A Magpie from 1962 until 1971, Bryan ‘Pop’ Robson was signed from Clara Vale Juniors and went on to be a member of Joe Harvey’s Newcastle team who were crowned Second Division champions in 1965. Robson made his senior debut during that campaign, scoring seven goals in 20 appearances and playing mainly as a right-winger before his move to a more central position. The story of his famous nickname goes back to when Robson and two childhood friends named themselves after the Rice Krispies cereal characters ‘Snap’, ‘Crackle’ and ‘Pop’ – Robson’s moniker was to stay with him. Newcastle went on to win the European Fairs Cup, the last major trophy to arrive at St James’ Park, with Robson forming an effective partnership with Wyn Davies. Robson scored 30 goals in 1968/69 as Newcastle enjoyed European success before notching 25 the following season. Having been at the club for eight years, Robson requested a testimonial after ten years’ service during contract negotiations. Chairman Lord Westwood rejected the request, following a trend at the club, according to ‘Pop’ himself, whereby homegrown talent was not as recognised or appreciated as much as purchased players.
At the age of 25 and following 97 goals from 243 starts for Newcastle, Robson became West Ham United’s record signing in February 1971 when Ron Greenwood signed him for a fee of £120,000 – Robson is pictured above signing on the dotted line for the Hammers. He scored on his debut in a 2-0 home win against Nottingham Forest on 24th February 1971. Two more goals against Manchester United and West Brom, both in 2-1 home victories, helped the Hammers avoid the drop at the end of that season. ‘Pop’ scored 14 goals in 1971/72, including a hat-trick in a 5-0 League Cup quarter-final win over Sheffield United (see my video at the end of the article). His finest season came in 1972/73, however, when he led the First Division goalscoring charts with 28 goals as the Hammers finished in the top six. This impressive haul included eight doubles and one hat-trick in a 4-3 home win over Southampton and resulted in ‘Pop’ being crowned Hammer of the Year. This was followed by just eight goals the following season and, in July 1974, Robson was heading back to the north-east to join Sunderland for £145,000. He had scored 53 goals in 140 appearances for the Hammers.
After helping the Wearsiders to Second Division title glory in 1975/76, John Lyall brought the diminutive forward back to the Boleyn in October 1976 – while he had been away, West Ham had won the 1975 FA Cup and made the Final of the 1976 European Cup Winners’ Cup. His 14 goals in 1976/77, particularly a double in a final-day 4-2 home win over Manchester United, ensured the Hammers’ survival in the top flight. His 11 goals the following season, however, were not enough to save the Irons from suffering relegation. ‘Pop’ hit 26 goals in the Second Division in 1978/79, including a hat-trick in a 3-0 triumph over fierce rivals Millwall in October 1978. After being voted runner-up to Alan Devonshire in the Hammer of the Year poll, Robson rejoined Sunderland in the summer of 1979 for £45,000 – he again missed out on FA Cup glory with West Ham as the club went on to win the trophy again at the end of the following season. ‘Pop’ had scored 51 goals in 115 matches during his second spell at Upton Park, giving him overall statistics of 104 goals from 255 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers.
Robson helped Sunderland to another promotion in 1980 and went on to play for Chelsea and Carlisle, as well as having a third spell with Sunderland. He represented England at Under-23 level but never won a full cap. Since retiring from playing Robson, now 71, has coached and scouted at Hartlepool, Manchester United, Leeds and Sunderland.
My video below contains 20 of Robson’s goals for West Ham United, including his hat-trick against Sheffield United and doubles against Manchester United, Sheffield United, Everton and Derby. The Hammers – in the hunt for a new striker this summer – are currently crying out for a forward with Pop’s finishing ability. One wonders how much the Geordie goalscoring genius would be worth in today’s market…