Explains Chris:
"Sometimes you don't realise what sort of club this is; I have watched a number of games here over the years and my late dad supported West Ham back in the sixties.
"He would have been really proud of me and I had a lump in my throat just before kick-off.
"It is a number of years since I lost him but he was West Ham-mad.
"I have made it here in the end and I am sure he was somewhere looking down on me."
If he was, he would certainly have been proud of Chris' debut in claret and blue - a solid performance in a new-look back four, and, by his own admission, one "crazy" shot at goal.
He feels sure West Ham is on the up and up, and adds:
"We have had some great times over the years with winning trophies and playing some good football and one day we will get back to that.
"We are working hard to get this club back to where it belongs, and that is the Premier League.
"That is the ultimate aim; by hook or crook we have got to get there.
"It was a disappointment not to do it last year but we can make up for it this year, I am sure."
Chris is nothing if not honest, though, and he admits he didn't follow his father into supporting the Hammers.
"I shouldn't say what team I support because I don't think the fans would be very happy," he admits.
Go on, Chris, we can take it.
"Big rivals."
Confess...
"The Spurs - but don't say it too loud."
We won't - and after a month at Upton Park, you'll be converted.