Stephen Hill

Stephen James Hill passed away aged 55 on 29 July. His son Ryan John Hill was watching the Spurs game on television and he got the dreaded news soon after.

Ryan is a member of the Jersey Hammers' Supporters Club and a season-ticket holder and went to every home game last season including pre-season and cup games as well as three away games.

Just a month ago his father paid half of the cost of Ryan's season ticket renewal so Ryan has expressed that he definitely will not be missing a game this season.

Ryan's last game was with his Dad was the friendly with Grays Athletic, where Ryan got to meet Gianfranco Zola, get his autograph and shake hands with him in front of his dad.

The picture below is of Ryan and Stephen from after the last game of the season against Middlesbrough in the Queen's pub.

Gerry Whines

Life-long hammers fan Gerry Whines died on 20 July aged 74. He was a supporter since the age of nine and sat in the east stand. His wife and daughter will continue to carry the mantle on from the east stand in his memory.

Shaun Michael Clarke

Shaun passed away on the 11 July 2009. A life-long Hammers fan who was never lacking in striking up a rendition of 'I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles' wherever he was.

He loved West Ham with a passion, travelling to many away grounds and ending back up town having a good session with his mates.

He will be deeply missed by his family in France, the UK and from the vast amount of friends he had especially from his watering hole The Spotted Dog.

He will never be forgotten and has left us with numerous stories from his escapades. He is not suffering any more and he is now at peace with Nancy and Mick his wonderful parents.

HA' WAY

John Clarke, a lifelong West Ham fan, died aged 85 on 12 July 1009.

He attended his first match on 1 April 1933 when West Ham lost to Stoke. Having saved up several weeks' pocket money to go the match he spent that first game crushed against the railings between the North Bank and the West Enclosure. He does confess that he actually saw very little of the action but in subsequent games, explored around and found the best spots for schoolboy viewing. At that time the entrance fee was 9d for men and 5d for women and boys.

He and his wife Betty had many years as Season Ticket Holders in the East Stand, and shared their last game at Upton Park with Paolo di Canio in 2003. John and Betty made many friends at Upton Park and they both missed football greatly when ill health forced them to give up their tickets. They moved to Somerset two years ago.