JOHN LYALL  1940-2006

I think that Tony Gale summed it all up best when he said that with the sad passing of John Lyall "A little bit of West Ham has died".

John Lyall was manager of the 1986 West Ham side but more than that he became a very close friend to many of the players from that era. His opinion was so respected by the players that many of them were still seeking advice from John right up until the time of his sudden death.

John was with West Ham for 34 years as player, coach, assistant manager and manager and even had a stint as a part time wages clerk in the clubs offices when his career was cruelly cut short by a persistent knee injury. As a manager he won two FA Cups (1975 & 1980) and reached two other major finals (Cup Winners Cup in 1976 & League Cup Final in 1981) plus he also gained the clubs best ever league finish of third in 1986.

John was a true gentlemen and will be greatly missed by all of the players.