Gary was captured in Iraq recently and feared for his life before being released - with photographs of him being released worldwide wearing a West Ham shirt.
Says Alan:
"It was emotional meeting him; he has had a very tough experience there, and it just goes to show how lucky we all are at times.
"There is certainly no one luckier than professional footballers and a manager managing a club, as well as the staff doing their job.
"So it is nice to get a kick into reality now and then and I am sure he enjoyed himself.
"I don't think anyone could doubt he is a true Hammers fan and we hopefully gave him a day that went some way to counteracting a really horrible week for him.
"It wasn't a publicity stunt; it was a genuine gesture that showed we do care about our supporters and we do as much as we can to look after them - even if there is a fair argument that our performances don't always suggest that.
"But we try our best."