Young Hammer Connor Wilson went home with more than he bargained for after attending his first West Ham United match!
The seven-year-old was taken to the Premier League 2 Division 2 Play-Off final against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Tuesday evening by his dad Carl, where he watched Toni Martinez score twice to secure promotion in dramatic style.
Not only did he see his Hammers win, however, but Connor met most of Terry Westley’s squad on their way to the team coach after the game, where he managed to persuade captain Declan Rice and winger Dan Kemp to part ways with their training top and shin pads!
“It was Connor’s first West Ham game, so he was made up to be just going to the match for starters,” said Carl, who moved to Whitley Bay with his Newcastle United-supporting wife Lisa nine years ago.
“We thought we would hang around after the game and Connor managed to get his picture taken with half the squad, then he managed to get a training top from Declan Rice, who was a really nice guy. He then managed to persuade Dan Kemp to give him his shin pads, so he was bouncing on the way home on the train!
“Connor went to bed with a massive smile on his face and it was still there in the morning. I’ve taken him to England matches before, but he said seeing West Ham win was better than watching England!
“It was great for him to see his team play in Claret and Blue at St James’ Park and his night was just rounded off with him being treated so well by the players, so I’d like to say a big ‘Thank you’ to all of them for making Connor so happy.”
I’ve taken Connor to England matches before, but he said seeing West Ham win was better than watching England!
Carl Wilson
For Carl, seeing West Ham in action, even at U23 level, is a rare treat since he swapped his home town of Dover for the North East.
“It was a great game and a great result, but it was actually the first time I’d been able to see West Ham play this season,” he confirmed. “I usually go to a few away matches each season, but I’ve not seen the first team play for a while.
“Now, Connor is already planning to go to the Premier League game when West Ham visit Newcastle next season. He can’t wait for the fixtures to come out, so he can see his favourite player Michail Antonio in action.”
However, while you might think Hammers are hard to come by in Whitley Bay, you would be mistaken!
“You wouldn’t believe it, but there are a couple of other kids who support West Ham at Connor’s school, Cullercoats Primary,” Carl revealed. “And the bloke who lives over the road from us is also a Hammer, so there are a few of us knocking around up here!
“One thing we all agree after last night is that we want to see some of these Academy lads given a chance in the first team.
“Who knows, perhaps one day Connor will be able to tell people about the night he saw the Spain striker Toni Martinez score, he was given a training top by the Ireland captain Declan Rice, and a pair of shin pads by the England winger Dan Kemp!”
Keep checking whufc.com for more stories about some of the people who make West Ham United much more than just a football club.
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