West Ham

Cards for Ken – Hammers legend Brown prepares to celebrate 90th birthday

West Ham United legend Ken Brown Sr reaches the magnificent milestone of his 90th birthday this month – and Hammers fans are being encouraged to help him celebrate.

Now living in Norwich, Ken still holds fond memories of his long and illustrious footballing career, particularly at West Ham United, where he developed in his formative years under the famed Academy greats of the 1950s, before becoming a key member of the 1958 Second Division title-winning team, the 1964 FA Cup-winning side and the European Cup Winners’ Cup triumph a year later.

A brave and dominant centre-half, Ken formed a memorable partnership alongside Bobby Moore in those glory days of the mid-1960s. He made 474 appearances across a 15-year playing career in Claret and Blue, was named Hammer of the Year in 1959 and won one full England cap a year later.

A popular and larger-than-life character, Ken moved into management after his playing career, and led Norwich City to League Cup glory in 1985 before spells in charge of Shrewsbury and Plymouth. In 2018, West Ham United honoured Ken’s magnificent career by presenting him with our Lifetime Achievement award.

As he now prepares to celebrate his 90th birthday, Ken’s family are inviting cards from friends and supporters, particularly those who may have some special memories or anecdotes from his football career, or of meeting him personally. 

Ken Brown

Ken’s wife Elaine said: “On his 80th birthday, we gave Ken a book with lots of messages from family and friends, which he loved.

“We thought it would be a good idea to reach out to people to see if they would like to send a card, perhaps recalling any special memories or personal experiences of meeting Ken over the years.

Ken and Elaine Brown“We will give him all the cards when we have a family get-together to celebrate his birthday. We'll record his reactions so people can see what it means to him. We would really appreciate it.”

If you would like to send a birthday card to Ken, please post it to:

Mr Ken Brown
c/o West Ham United Football Club
London Stadium
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
London E20 2ST

Alternatively, cards can be delivered by hand to any of our four official retail stores at London Stadium, Romford Liberty, Thurrock Lakeside or Basildon Eastgate.

Please ensure cards are received by Thursday 15 February in order to reach Ken in time for his birthday.