Name: Eddie Chapman
Born: 3 August 1923
Clubs: West Ham United
One time goalscorer and former West Ham United Chief Executive Eddie Chapman was born on this day 90 years ago.
In a career that spanned an astonishing 49 years, Chapman became the third longest serving employee of the Club - exceeded only by legends Charlie Paynter and Ernie Gregory
Prolific as a junior, Chapman soon drew the attention of Hammers scouts, notching 128 goals in the 1935-36 season.He would subsequently represent Leyton, Romford and even an FA Amateur XI prior to the onset of the Second World War.
Shortly after signing professionally for the Hammers in 1942, Chapman enlisted in the Royal Engineers, stationed at Chatham for the next three years.
Chapman was then turning out for the Royal Engineers' All England XI as well as for the Hammers in the Football League South. With the ending of hostilities, he returned to the Boleyn Ground on a full-time basis, both working as an administrator and playing for the reserves.
His goalscoring feats went on, however, with a five-goal haul in a 7-0 win over Queens Park Rangers in a Combination fixture.
Chapman finally made his senior bow in September 1948, scoring in a 2-2 draw at home to Coventry City. Sadly, just six further outings followed, with an unrelenting back injury forcing him to cut short his playing days.
After taking on the mantle of Club Secretary, Chapman's stock contined to rise, culminating in his appointment as Chief Executive in June 1979.
Such was his service to the Club, Chapman was ultimately awarded a testimonial, one that saw West Ham take on a Terry Venables XI on 9 August 1987. An exceptional servant to West Ham United, Chapman sadly passed away in October 2002 at the age of 79.