Everyone associated with West Ham United has been deeply saddened by the passing of beloved Any Old Irons member, Season Ticket Holder and memorabilia collector John Chapman at the age of 78.
Having arrived in London from Newport in South Wales as a student in 1968, John made his way to Upton Park, attracted by the quality of the football under Ron Greenwood, and has been a devoted Hammer ever since.
His first game was a League Cup tie at the Boleyn Ground against Bolton Wanderers in September 1968, when Geoff Hurst scored a hat-trick and Martin Peters, John Sissons, Harry Redknapp and Trevor Brooking all found the net in a stunning 7-2 victory.
John later met Sir Trevor and many other legends during his eight years as a member of Any Old Irons, the community programme set up by West Ham United Foundation to tackle social isolation and loneliness among older supporters.
As an influential member, John led the Any Old Irons choir and was a co-presenter on the Any Old Irons podcast, which was especially valuable during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he received a phone call of support from then-midfielder Declan Rice.
John’s commitment helped Any Old Irons be shortlisted at the London Football Awards for Community Project of the Year in 2020.
He remained a Season Ticket Holder at London Stadium and a regular spectator at the Hammers’ women’s team and Academy matches into his seventies.
John also followed our neighbours Dagenham & Redbridge, volunteering in the Daggers’ programme shop and becoming a regular at the club’s Sporting Memories sessions, helping fans aged over 50 make new friends.
Away from football, John taught at Brittons School in Rainham for more than 30 years, becoming a highly respected and much-loved member of the teaching community.
For those who wish to celebrate John’s life, his funeral will take place at South Essex Crematorium in Upminster on Wednesday 12 November at 12.30pm, with the cortege departing Dagenham & Redbridge’s Victoria Road stadium at 11.30am. Following the service, a celebratory gathering will be held at Victoria Road.
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Everyone at West Ham United would like to express their sincere condolences to John’s family and friends at this sad time.