To all West Ham United supporters, 'There's Only One Stevie Bacon' - and now it's official!
The Hammers' official club photographer for more than 30 years, Steve Bacon has had unique view on goings on at the Boleyn Ground.
Now, he has put his memories down on paper in his new autobiography, entitled 'There's Only One Stevie Bacon' in honour of the famous terrace chant. The book is now on sale at the Stadium Superstore.
Speaking at a book signing on the opening day of the 2012/13 season, Bacon revealed his delight at releasing his autobiography in the same month that the club had returned to the Barclays Premier League.
BUY 'THERE'S ONLY ONE STEVIE BACO' NOW!
"My book has now been released and luckily it has coincided with our return to the Premier League, which was always a hope of mine," said Bacon. "It was a very good August for me.
"The first day back against Aston Villa was fantastic. It was a lovely day and an even better result. I wasn't working because I had a knee operation two weeks prior but it was good to be out and see the supporters."
The book has been an on-going project for Bacon who revealed it was the perfect time to write and publish his personal memoirs.
"I did a book of photographs in 1996, but people have often said 'You must have a good story to tell and we would love to hear it'. I'm now 60 so this was the perfect time to do it.
"I spoke to the author Kirk Blows, who is another West Ham United supporter, and between us we sat down and wrote the book which I am delighted with."
The book contains many touching anecdotes from Bacon's time as club photographer, but he was able to pinpoint one particularly comedic memory, while paying tribute to a 'special' personal favourite.
"It is probably some of the memories I have from the Lou Macari era because, although he may not have been that popular at the time, we really clicked.
"John Lyall was also another very special person who was totally unique, but in terms of comedy it would have to be Lou. We went to Ireland one year and were playing all kinds of pranks on each other and we got fogged in which has never happened before in the airport's entire history!"
Steve Bacon signs his new book for a Hammers supporter
This isn't the end for Bacon as a snapper, however, as he hopes to return from his knee operation to the club in a matter of weeks.
"I had to miss the end of last season which was a shame but it simply became too painful. Thankfully I have had it fixed now and hopefully I will be back at the club within a matter of weeks."
One matchday food outlet has even named a dish in Bacon's name - the 'Steve Bacon Burger' - and the man himself admitted he cherishes his relationship with the club and all who are a part of it.
"I am very flattered and often very embarrassed by it. I put it down to longevity. If you are in the same place for long enough, you are always going to become part of the furniture.
"I am a local lad who still lives ten minutes from the ground, so to become so heavily involved with the fans and the club is something very close to my heart."