Lifelong fan Pete Limmer has been following the Hammers since the 1950's and has a number of magical memories from his time visiting the Boleyn Ground.
My first visit to the Boleyn Ground was back in 1958 and I recall seeing Ernie Gregory play in goal, John Bond, Noel Cantwell and maybe Malcolm Musgrove in the team, but not the young stars at the time such as Bobby Moore or Geoff Hurst!!!
My stepfather and I went to most mid-week games (not season ticket holders as he worked in a garage in Hackney and worked nearly every Saturday – these were hard times and he was a petrol pump attendant!)
There were always milk crates left near the front wall between games in the standing area below the main stand that I stood on.
As a young lad all of us were passed down to the front where we could see most of the game (high balls excepted)!
Then we used to get a bag of roast chestnuts when we left and this would have been along Green Street.
In those days we used to get an “England” side visit and Billy Wright, Stanley Matthews and others used First Division sides for match practise – so we saw them all!!!
I believe I also saw Puskas play at the famous stadium and some other big name players.
When I grew older (teenage years) I went with school friends from Woodford but most supported Spurs so I was a bit out on a limb.
I have so many magical memories of the Boleyn Ground and I always feel at home when I am inside the stadium.
For the last few years we go for a drink at The Boleyn and then wander into the ground towards wherever we have our seats, enjoy the game and drive home to Cambridge.
This year we have got to know our regular neighbours (from Tooting, Barnet & Chelmsford) and we enjoy the pre-match build-up. The atmosphere is brilliant.
I was lucky enough to be invited to a pre-lunch dinner in one of the main lounges where Phil Parkes gave us his view of “goalkeeping today” and how he was much better!
I also have a picture of my son with Martin Peters in the same lounge and we have been on the Stadium Tour.
I took great delight in meeting with Phil and also Alan Taylor who are both excellent ambassadors for West Ham United.
They are both very personal and on the side of the fans which is brilliant. I hope to have many more magical memories watching the Hammers in the future.
COYI