Few footballers are more iconic than Stuart Pearce, who will appear at Club London presents ‘Icons’ with Lilley Plummer Risks at The Indigo at The O2 on Tuesday 2 December.
Whether it is for his thunderous tackles, booming free-kicks or roaring celebration after converting his vital penalty at UEFA Euro 96, every football fan can immediately recognise the former England full-back.
Nicknamed ‘Psycho’ for his uncompromising style, Pearce led an incredible career, playing non-league football for Wealdstone until the age of 21 before establishing himself in the old First Division, first with Coventry City, then famously at Nottingham Forest, where he won two Football League Cups under the management of the late, great Brian Clough.
At the age of 25, Pearce made his England debut in 1987, and went on to earn 78 caps. He missed a FIFA World Cup semi-final penalty against West Germany in 1990 and was part of the team which failed to qualify for USA 94, then redeemed himself with an unstoppable, unforgettable shootout spot-kick against Spain at Wembley Stadium in 1996.
After a spell at Newcastle United, Pearce arrived at West Ham United in the summer of 1999, aged 37. Despite his advancing years, the ageless defender continued to thunder, boom and roar in Claret and Blue, winning the Hammer of the Year award in his second and final season in 2000/01.
“I certainly hadn’t just come home to London for one, final pay-day – that’s definitely not what I’m about!” he explained. “At Coventry, Nottingham Forest and Newcastle, I’d always wanted to give value for money and West Ham was no exception. But it was really disappointing to have started so well in those opening four-and-a-half matches before missing most of my first season with two broken legs.
“With his brilliant piece of man-management, Harry Redknapp gave me a chance of another season and, thankfully, I managed to play 42 games second time around, missing just four matches.
“We reached the quarter-finals of both the FA Cup and Worthington Cup, while finishing 15th in the Premier League after a season that saw Rio Ferdinand – the best one-on-one defender I ever played with – sold to Leeds United and several new faces arrive, before Harry also departed after our penultimate match of the season!
“With the likes of Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Paolo Di Canio, Freddie Kanouté, Trevor Sinclair and Frank Lampard around, there was still a lot of talent in that squad so it was a massive honour to be voted Hammer of the Year by the Club’s supporters just after my 39th birthday.
“I know exactly what makes up this Football Club’s DNA. It was fantastic to get that opportunity to come and play 50 matches for West Ham United during those two seasons. We certainly crammed a lot in!”
Pearce finished his playing career by captaining Manchester City to the Division One title, then moved into management, leading Forest and City, England U21s and Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games. He later returned to West Ham to coach under David Moyes, and has become a popular radio pundit.
He will share stories of his incredible career when Club London presents ‘Icons’ with Lilley Plummer Risks at The Indigo at The O2 on Tuesday 2 December.
One thing is for sure, he will receive a warm welcome when he joins Paolo Di Canio, Dean Ashton and hosts Tony Gale and Josh Denzel on stage for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of football, entertainment and premium hospitality.
Club London presents ‘Icons’ is selling fast, so don’t miss out on a night in the presence of true West Ham greats.
Standard Admission is priced at just £99, and Kings Row seats are priced at just £199.
VIP packages include premium West Ham United Club London hospitality, kicking-off with a welcome reception and meet-and-greet with legends, a three-course gourmet meal with unlimited drinks, entertainment, an exclusive auction of one-off memorabilia and experiences and a VIP after-party.
VIP Tables are priced at £5,400 for ten guests, or you can enhance your night by sharing a Legend Table with your heroes for £7,500 or £10,200.
Don’t miss Club London ‘Icons’ this December by securing your place or table HERE.
All prices are inclusive of VAT. This event is open to supporters aged 18 and over.
