Woosnam passes away

Former West Ham United and Wales forward Phil Woosnam has died in Dunwoody, Georgia at the age of 80.

An inside-right by trade, a then 26-year-old Woosnam signed for the Hammers in November 1958, making a £30,000 switch from Leyton Orient.

During a five-season stint at the Boleyn Ground, the Wales international racked up some 150 outings in claret and blue, notching 29 times in the process.

He made his debut in a goalless home draw against Arsenal on 8 November 1958, while a 6-0 win over Portsmouth saw him bag his first league goal for the Club. 

Woosnam subsequently joined Aston Villa in 1962, before emigrating to the United States of America just four years later. There, he would become head coach of the national team in 1968 and then a commissioner of the North American Soccer League.

By the time he had hung up his boots, Woosnam had amassed 17 caps for his native Wales and three goals to boot.  

The Club would like to send their condolences to his family and friends.