Since the tragic death of John Lyall back on April 18, we have been inundated with emails and letters from supporters wishing to pay their own personal tributes to our former manager.
Hundreds of messages have been sent in, and every single one
will be passed on to John's widow Yvonne and the family. It
would be impossible to publish every message here, but below is a
selection of those received...
John Lyall 1940-2006
II would like to pay my respects to a great manager. During John
Lyall's time at the Boleyn Ground we produced some of the
greatest players the club has ever seen. He was loved by players
and fans alike and I don't think I ever heard a bad word said
about him. My condolences go to John's family.
Trevor Armstrong-Jones
As a lifelong supporter of West Ham I was saddened to hear of the
death of a true gentleman. As a West Ham supporter I have fond
memories of 1975 and 1980, two days which stick in my mind and
always fill me with a great sense of pride at being a West Ham
supporter. I believe that John was the manager who transformed our
club and brought us through the transition period when footballers
became rich and famous. To say I was shocked and saddened at the
loss of such a gentleman is an understatement. Noel Cantwell, Ron
Greenwood and John all in one season is a huge loss. May he rest in
peace.
Brian O'Flaherty, Dublin
John was one of the best and a true West Ham man. I wrote to him
after he was sacked commending him on his great job for the Hammers
over the years and his reply was typical of the man. He simply said
"he couldn't have worked for better people than the West
Ham supporters". He will be truly missed.
Clive Dyer, Battle, East Sussex
Thanks for football played the right way, the West Ham way. As a
young boy in Sweden I started to like West Ham, not only for the
colours of claret and blue, but for the way West Ham played
football. It was always a pleasure watching the team on TV. Even if
West Ham not always took all the points, it was always
entertaining. And thanks for the good memories. The wins at Wembley
against Fulham in 1975 and Arsenal in 1980 will always shine bright
in West Ham's history.
Kenth Jönsson, Borgholm, Sweden
I remember jumping around my Nan's living room like Zebedee as
Brooking headed the ball into the net. I remember screaming at the
TV when Paul Allen was taken out by Willie Young. I remember the
parties that went on until the early hours of the morning while us
kids played footy outside the pub. I remember seeing the claret and
blue skinheads line the streets when you brought the cup home. I
remember having my photo taken with the FA Cup at Upton Park. All
those memories, and many more, are thanks to you John Lyall. Rest
in peace.
Barry Parker
I may be only 17 years old and not have been alive to watch or
follow the West Ham side that Mr Lyall managed so successfully, but
from all the tributes paid so far by West Ham greats past and
present, it is clear to see that John was truly a great man. I
would like to express my utmost condolences to all those who knew
Mr Lyall.
David Newton, Enfield
To me, John Lyall, together with his mentor Ron Greenwood,
epitomised everything that is good about West Ham United and the
magical game of football. John was a true gentleman and an honest
professional man who obviously gained the respect of all of his
players, opponents and supporters alike. He led this great club of
ours through some truly wonderful times and guided his young
players with his experience and in depth knowledge of the game. He
will truly be missed and be remembered as a true West Ham legend.
My sympathies go to his family.
Steve Hubbard, Holland-on-Sea, Essex
I started supporting West Ham with John as manager and recall going
to Chadwell Heath as a young fan to watch my heroes train. The
players were in the ball court and John invited all the kids in to
watch his session with the players. What a moment and what a man.
His memory lives on.
Andy, East Tilbury
John was the 'Man in Charge' when I saw my first West Ham
game in September 1976, at the age of 17. My boyfriend had just
passed his driving test, had been given an old car, and loved West
Ham. We drove from Enfield and I fell in love with the team and the
ground. As time passed, my boyfriend and I went our separate ways,
but not so my love of West Ham. I purchased a Season Ticket, and
took my then five-year-old brother to many games, including the
1980 FA Cup final. Many years have passed, and I now live in the
USA. My brother now has the season ticket, and is passionate about
West Ham and follows them everywhere. I still watch them whenever
in the UK, and most weekends on the US soccer channel. My point is,
I owe it all to John. He inspired my love of the game through his
efforts and his teams. I've been lucky enough to see some
wonderful players pass through the ground, but my favourites will
always be those from the days of 'Johnny Lyall's Claret and
Blue Army.' Thank you John. You will be missed.
Lesley Craig (Ms), Chicago, Illinois, USA
As a Hammer for over 40 years I have fond memories of the Lyall
years, his teams played with a style and flair that have remained
our trademark. I will never forget the cup triumphs and those
wonderful European nights as we chanted his name in admiration. I
will remember John for his great dignity in both victory and defeat
and also for the great style and zest his teams played with. Thank
you John, gone but never forgotten.
Steve Piper, Brighton
I lived in Devon and had been nagging my Dad to take me to see West
Ham for at least a year. Eventually in April 1977, a very excited
10-year-old made their way with his Dad on the Underground to Upton
Park for a match with Everton. My Dad was not a football man but
had made arrangements to collect some tickets for the West Stand.
Whilst we waited for the said tickets in the lobby area - I had
pressured my dad to get there early, it was probably 1.30pm - John
Lyall walked by and asked if we were being looked after, to which
my Dad nodded. Without another word, he asked my Dad whether I
would like to pop down to the dressing room with him to meet the
players. Absolutely flabbergasted, I nodded eagerly. My Dad quickly
got his ink pen out and Mr Lyall ushered us around the whole of the
dressing room - I remember being totally in awe - players such as
Alan Devonshire, Frank Lampard, Mervyn Day, Alan Curbishley and
best of all came at the end. I remember my idol Trevor Brooking
with his trademark slanting signature! This was such a grand
gesture and I can honestly say I will never ever forget it - it is
remarkable how many similar gestures of kindness I have seen on the
messageboards. You can imagine after that I was hooked and my Dad
always commented on how much of a gentleman John Lyall was, even
though in all honesty he had no interest in football and just
wanted to take his eager son along. I no longer travel from Devon
to the odd game each season - for the last seven years, myself and
my daughters have travelled from near York as season ticket holders
- and I have no doubt that a large part of the reason is that
spontaneous gesture made by John Lyall that very first day I
visited West Ham. When John Lyall left football, it lost a man who
understood how much pleasure he and West Ham could give the
ordinary public. Thank you for that John.
Richard Bridge, Snaith
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I never met John, I'm not even old enough to have seen him
manage West Ham, but that doesn't stop me knowing what a man he
was. My condolences go out to all of John's family, its a sad
time for West Ham United and I can only imagine how his family must
be feeling.
Tom, Billericay
John Lyall was the manager when I started to support West Ham as a
kid. The thing that always struck me was that he came across to me
as the ultimate nice guy, quiet, unassuming but West Ham through
and through, just like I was. It was his brand of football that
left me excited and never really disappointed. Two FA Cup victories
is some achievement and the best and most successful times were had
in his reign. A true West Ham legend and he will never be forgotten
along, of course, with his mentor Ron.
Mark Webber, Ilfracombe
I and my son Danny are season ticket holders and, along with all
other West Ham United fans, found John's sudden death a great
shock. I will miss his infectious smile, which he always seemed to
have no matter what the situation. The only time I can honestly say
I saw John really angry was at Wembley in the 1981 League Cup Final
against Liverpool, when he confronted a certain Mr Thomas over
Liverpool's goal. The fact that he was never charged by the FA
spoke volumes for his character. I last saw John in the Autumn of
1989, when he was signing copies of his autobiography in the
Bookshop in the Barking Road He didn't just sign my copy of his
book, but had time to ask how far I travelled to watch my beloved
West Ham, and when I told John that I travelled from Portsmouth for
every home game and some away games, he asked what time I left home
and how I travelled to the game. John's passing away is a very
sad lost for West Ham United and the football world.
Paul and Danny Brier, Southsea Hammers
I was deeply saddened by the tragic news that West Ham's
greatest manager John Lyall had died at the age of 66, a great,
genuine, honest, and a West Ham man through and through. I am proud
to say that I had the privilege a couple of years ago of meeting
John whilst out shopping with my wife. I went over to him and shook
his hand and introduced myself, and we spent the next 30-40 minutes
talking about West Ham and football in general. He still cared
about West Ham and football with a passion that was clearly
evident, and it meant so much to me that he was happy to pass the
time of day with me. I will never forget that meeting or the man
himself. He carried on from Ron Greenwood ensuring that West Ham
played football in the right way and that the academy continued
producing footballers we could all be proud of. My sincere
condolences and best wishes go to John's family, the world is a
less better place without him in it. He will never be forgotten.
Brian Lawrance, Ipswich
I had the good fortune to meet John twice, once at a book signing
and previously in his office on a West Ham open day following our
1975 FA Cup final success against Fulham. They say that John was a
gentlemen and my experience in meeting him certainly confirmed this
as he had time aplenty for the ordinary supporter and during our
first meeting, put me at ease as soon as we met. There were no airs
and graces, just an honest, decent and knowledgeable man doing a
job which he obviously loved and which allowed him frequently to
keep in touch with the ordinary fan. Rest in peace John; as much a
part of West Ham's history as anyone, and a loss not only to
his beloved West ham, but to football generally.
Clive Heasman, Rayleigh
I'd just like to pay tribute to John Lyall who, together with
Ron Greenwood, made West Ham play the way we all love them to play.
John was not just a legendary manager but always a true gentleman.
My condolences and best wishes go to his family and close friends.
Heaven has now got a great management team
Graham Parker, Devon
John will be sadly missed by all who knew him and the fans who
believed in him.
A true gent who was warm and genuine, he believed highly in
honesty, trust and respect. He carried on the West Ham traditions
and left a legacy that is still in place and going strong even now.
West Ham and football in general has lost another one of its
greats.
Richard Smith, Basildon, Essex
I always thought that John Lyall was the sort of man we would all
aspire to be. Admired by everyone for the way he conducted himself
in good times and bad. Born in 1967 I grew up supporting the
Hammers with John at the helm and to me, he will always be THE West
Ham manager. I do not mind admitting I shed a tear when I heard the
sad news of his death. I went to the bookshelf and got out my copy
of 'Just Like My Dreams' and looked at John's signature
inside. I feel like I have lost a friend even though, like most
Hammers fans, I never met the great man. My sincere sympathy goes
to all Johns family and friends.
Mitch Barnes, Canterbury, Kent
I was very sorry to hear that John had passed away. I'm only a
12-year-old kid but my whole family are West Ham fans and they
never stop telling me that he was a great West Ham manager, one of
the best. John is now one of my heroes and I hope my dad and
grandad will always keep telling me of the stories when they used
to stand in the terraces and cheer and sing his name.
Joe Ling, Wickford, Essex
Quite simply, John Lyall epitomises what West Ham United Football
Club aspires to stand for. A truly honourable, honest and
respectful man who will live in the memories of West Ham fans
forever. Ron Greenwood and John have made West Ham what they are
today. They will be sadly missed, but never forgotten. Sympathies
to all John's family and friends.
Dean Drury, Devon
I first started going to West Ham games in 1975, and those first
11-12 years remain the best years I've ever had as a West Ham
fan. John Lyall always looked immaculate with the thick black hair
and long coat, and was always the gentleman when interviewed by the
press on TV. Whether the team was successful or not, West Ham were
always a joy to watch under John Lyall. His passing is a great loss
to football. It can be no coincidence that, before I sent this
email, my spell-check tried to change 'Lyall' to
'Loyal'!
Billy Green, Romford
I was so saddened to hear of John's death as he was a wonderful
person. Back in the 1980s I used to run a statisticians group and
issue monthly newsletters. John was pleased to receive these and
continued to write praising the group and its members. I asked him
if he could give me an article on a typical week of his. Within
days a seven-page handwritten letter from him arrived, detailing
all his weekly activities. A wonderful gesture from a busy manager
to spend the time to write. As you can imagine, I will always
treasure his letters, which I have kept. I also had a book on the
club published in 1987 and asked John if he would like a copy. He
immediately invited me down to Chadwell Heath where I spent an
enjoyable hour in his company. Whilst there he asked the club
photographer Steve Bacon to take a photo of the two of us which
takes pride of place in my photo album. So thanks for the memories
John. He was not only a great manager but a kind warm person who
had everyone at heart. My sincere condolences to his family, who
have lost a legend.
John Northcutt, Chelmsford, Essex
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The only tribute that can be paid is that I grew up knowing and
truly believing that John was the best manager we had ever had and
made me so proud to be a Hammer. Just thinking of the good times he
gave us supporters brings tears to your eyes.
Colin Martin
Having been born in 1972 near Upton Park, the early 80s were the
time that I remembered with joy being a West Ham supporter. My
first real memory was the 1980 FA Cup and feeling proud at what
John Lyall and the team had achieved in winning the cup against
Arsenal and seeing them parade it through Newham to East Ham Town
hall. That statred the passion for me, though my family have always
been Hammers supporters. I was lucky enough to meet John Lyall at a
Junior Hammers open day at the training ground, he was very kind
and more than happy to talk to us about the team, his views and
visions and, most of all, sign autographs and have pictures taken.
I treasure the picture of me with this genius of a manager, he
brought a lot of joy to my life through West Ham and I know from
speaking to lots of West Ham fans he will be sorely missed. John
Lyall was West Ham through and through - my dad always said if you
cut him in half he would have West Ham United written through the
middle like a stick of rock. Rest in peace John and thank you for
all those wonderful memories that you and your teams provided me
with. My thoughts are with your family.
Nick Richards, Hornchurch
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of John Lyall. I
had the honour of watching West Ham on many occasions when he was
manager and what happy memories they were. He was truly a great
manager and a real gentleman, a very rare occurrence in the
football world.
Helen High
Having been a West ham fan for over 40 years, I was so shocked and
saddened by the tragic death of John Lyall. John gave his all for
the club and during his time there established the high standards
of quality football and behaviour that are the hallmark of West Ham
United. Looking at the pictures of John, they say it all - he was
an honest, genuine guy and a real gentleman. You'll be missed
greatly John but never forgotten.
John Howard, Sawbridgeworth, Herts.
My personal favourite memory of John must surely be the 1980 FA Cup
Final, where he pulled off a tactical master-stroke in playing
striker Stuart Pearson in a much deeper role than usual, leaving
David Cross as the sole man up front. Arsenal just had no answer to
that on the day - indeed, the papers the following day reported
that some of the Arsenal defenders were constantly looking towards
the bench in total bewilderment, complaining that they had no one
to mark! Such a tactic showed just how much John had learned from
his mentor Ron Greenwood, and played a major part in West Ham's
triumph that day. John will be sadly missed, not just by those who
knew and worked with him, but by all Hammers fans worldwide. Even
though he's no longer here to read them, my closing words are
directed to John himself. They are simply: Rest in peace, John ...
and thank you.
Keith Stock, Stratford, London
One quote I can remember from John very clearly which I think he
made on the radio during one of West Ham's cup winning runs -
probably in 1975 - was: "Attacking and creativity is the name
of our game." I am sure that is almost verbatim what he said
and it has stayed with me for more than 30 years. Those nine words
sum up for me what was West Ham's football philosophy then,
what it is now and what I hope it will always be.
Simon Deane, Hong Kong
Back in the late 80s myself and a friend had taken our yearly team
photos to the training ground in Chadwell Heath to get them signed
by the team. We had waited in the cold for ages and managed to get
every single player as he left for home after training. The only
signature that was missing was that of our great manager. So not
wanting to leave without the final signature we asked one of the
staff if Mr Lyall was still at the ground or if we had missed him.
We were told he was a very busy man and he would probably be in
meetings, etc for quite a while, but we decided to stay on anyway.
After a few hours, Mr Lyall came out and saw us both waiting, he
asked us why we were still here, explaining all the players had
left hours ago. We told him we were waiting for him as he was the
last signature we needed on our team photo. On hearing this John
looked horrified that none of the staff had told him two boys were
waiting for him outside in the cold, then ushered us into the
canteen for hot chocolate and biscuits so we could warm up before
giving both my friend and I a lift home in his car. For me, this
story epitomises the kind of man that John Lyall was, he brought
many great days to West Ham United, he brought trophies, success
and was one of the main reasons West Ham United play football the
way they still do. But above all, John Lyall was an honest, down to
earth, kind man who loved football, loved West Ham United and
appreciated the fans, and believe me the supporters appreciated and
loved him too!
Obviously our sense of loss as fans cannot compare to that which is
being felt by his family, loved ones and close friends, but our
hearts and thoughts go out to you at this difficult time and we
will never forget John Lyall, a true legend, and one of my heroes.
Paul Ledwith
I will never forget the letter John Lyall sent me after his
dismissal. I wrote thanking him for the many great memories he had
given me while he was West Ham manager. I received, which I still
have to this day, a hand written letter from Mr Lyall thanking me
for taking the time to write to him! Considering the thousands of
letters he would have received, to take the time and write back
personally is testament to the type of man he was.
Russell Hailstone, Teignmouth, Devon
I have to say first that I'm not a West Ham United supporter.
However, I would very much appreciate the opportunity to show my
respects after the sad passing of Mr Lyall. When I was about 12 (in
1983) I played for the Theydon Bois Juniors (a small Sunday morning
team in Essex). Our manager contacted West Ham United to try to ask
if anyone was available for a presentation evening. It was with
great pleasure that it was John himself took the time to visit us!
It was an extremely memorable night and we were in awe of the great
man and his achievements. Here in our village hall was a legend,
taking the time to speak to us individually and collectively about
West Ham's past, present and future prospects. When you are
young, you don't always appreciate the events as they unfold in
front of you, but John Lyall taking the time and trouble to spend a
few hours at a small junior football team was a mark of the man -
and one of those memories that will always stay with me. I'd
like to pass on my respects to John's family.
Kevin Jackman
I started to follow my beloved West Ham back in 1980. Growing up in
South London to Dutch parents, I wanted to support a London team
with a difference. From the very first moment I stepped on to the
North Bank I was hooked, and part of that reason was you. 34 years
you stayed with us and still no one has a bad word to say about
you. That is some legacy. Thank you for providing me with so many
fantastic memories and making our Club that bit more special from
the rest. I am sure you, Bobby and Ron have some serious catching
up to do!
Arnold Nederpel, Amsterdam
John Lyall was the epitome of what I believe West Ham United did
and should continue to stand for. Love of the game, respect for
others and honesty. Simple things that brought success. A truly
wonderful role model during a golden era for the club. My sincere
condolences to his family for their loss.
Andy Clare
I was lucky enough to meet Mr Lyall at the recent 1975/80 reunion,
shake his hand and tell him what a pleasure it was to have that
opportunity. While all of the speakers that night got the respect
they deserved, a special hush fell over the place when Mr Lyall
rose to his feet and every single person in the place listened
intently to what he had to say, without interruption. That kind of
respect is only reserved for very special people and Mr Lyall was
one of those. What shone through also was the respect that all of
the former players had for him and their standing ovation when he
entered and sat down, after his talk, spoke volumes. My condolences
go to the family and friends of Mr Lyall.
Stephen Bull, Orsett, Essex
My lasting memory of John Lyall is of him on the pitch at Wembley
in 1980 just after we'd won the FA Cup against Arsenal. He was
standing there, looking over at the West Ham fans with the biggest
smile on his face. The camera stayed on him for ages and it always
gives me goosebumps when I think of it. He loved West Ham and that
moment summed it up.
Siobhan McManus, Manor Park E12
For me, John Lyall was West Ham United, he was a legend. I saw my
very first game at Upton Park when he was manager and, under him,
the team produced some of the greatest football I have ever seen.
He is one of the greatest managers this country has ever produced,
and will always be remembered as part of West Ham's rich
history.
Gary Oldmeadow, Billingshurst, West Sussex
To me, and I believe to thousands of other Hammers fans, John Lyall
represented everything that makes one proud to stand up and say
"I support West Ham United". RIP John.
Simon Davies, Basildon