Blind Hammer looks at how our club is great in a way that transcends results and goes all weak at the knees at meeting Billy Bonds.
Amidst all the disappointment of our result against Swansea I was given several reminders on Saturday about why we love our club.
In most of my previous articles on this site I have examined in depth the players and the manager’s tactics. This article is for once about the people behind the scenes.
I have never before been able to take my Guide Dog Nyle to the Boleyn Ground, though we hope he will be able to go where there is more room at the OS.
On Friday I received an email from the club to say for this last Saturday game they would arrange space for Nyle to attend. I was to report to main reception at 1pm. Here we were met by a friendly steward called Tracey who was attentive and friendly and looked after us throughout the afternoon.
I, along with my sighted guide, Tommy Taylor, was then introduced to henry Brandman. Henry is a powerful influence behind the scenes at West Ham. He is the Club Solicitor, apparently was a key operator in the OS Stadium bid, and has been described as not just a friend of David Gold, but his right hand man. Henry, a lifelong Hammer, had supported the Chairman when they practised at running a football club in Birmingham, before returning home to Upton Park to do the real deal. With such a background and credentials then you could imagine then that Henry could be full of airs and graces, perhaps justifiably pompous as to what he has achieved in life.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Henry is a passionate down to earth fan, just like you and me. I was not the first blind supporter he had met and he described how he met Paul Goodwin and his Guide Dog Molly on the train after an away day drubbing at West Brom in the FA Cup. They were both nursing their wounds after this 4-0 defeat but Henry became fascinated at how West Ham were organising support for their blind supporters to attend games and receive a commentary service. I also happen to know Paul and he has told me that since this time Henry has, despite his busy schedule, kept in regular email and text contact with him.
Not only was Henry a passionate fan, just like you and me he also made an instant hit with Nyle. He had the foresight and consideration to come armed with dog treats for Nyle not just to eat at the game but to take home.
He then escorted Nyle, Tommy and me through the player’s tunnel out to the pitch side where we had a photo opportunity. David Gold joined us for this session.
We then returned down the players’ tunnel where I had a surreal moment when somebody grasped me by the hand and Tommy, my guide, told me this is Billy Bonds. I was for an instant struck dumb before I was said something stupid like “oh my god, my hero”.
I tried to recover some composure before telling Billy Bonds that he featured in the first game I ever saw at Upton Park in 1968, where we beat Leicester City 4-0. This game included a wonder goal by Martin Peters. He instantly remembered the game and as I recounted parts of the game he finished my description for me with shared pleasure. It was a special moment with a West Ham great; we were together revelling in our joint memories. Billy bonds offered a memory of Brian Dear’s goals in the same game, we jointly marvelled at the awesome power of Martin Peter’s volley in that game. I hope you can get a sense of the conversation from the Photo.
Feeling slightly dazed I was then taken out into a balcony area where I was given ample space to settle Nyle down on his bed. Frankie became concerned that the seat on the balcony would not be suitable for me and ran off inside to find a more comfortable chair for me. She returned with a padded version for me to use.
Tommy then had a great time walking around getting photos of him with various celebrities. I am not up that much with Celebrities but I know it did include someone called Mitchell from EastEnders.
Tracey then went off to get my headset commentary device and for the second last time I settled down to listen and immerse myself in the Upton Park experience.
Just for once in one of my articles I will draw a veil over the events on the pitch. The game was ultimately useful for me as it reassured me that Nyle could cope with the noise of a crowd in advance of our attending games at the OS. He did tend to leap up every time I shouted but seemed to be aware that there was nothing seriously wrong and just leaned against my leg to make sure that I was OK.
Although events on the pitch were ultimately disappointing I came away more convinced of the positives of supporting West Ham. From the very top to the bottom of the club we have people united in their shared passions for the club. For the first time in 50 years of supporting our club I began to realise that there is another reason why we are called West Ham United. Unlike other clubs we have people who, when we lose, share our pain as a real supporter should; when we win they share our joy. We have a club which is inclusive in its aims, not exclusive. Daniel Levy sucks £2.75 million out of Tottenham every year. Our Chairmen take not a penny. I came away realising that from the Chairmen, the Club Solicitor, to footballing greats like Billy Bonds, Tracey, Frankie the Stewards, Brian another steward, and our stadium commentator James Batson , West \Ham are suffused by people who are united and genuinely care. For them it is not a commercial opportunity or an ego trip. It is a shared endeavour to provide us with the best experience they can.
We can all get harsh with the people we love at times of pain. However remember that our joys and disappointments are shared not only by the fans, but the Chairmen, Board, Manager, players and the many people working behind the Scenes. This is so much more important than the temporary hurt of a loss to Swansea. We truly are a West Ham United.
COYI
David Griffith.