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John Lyall, R.I.P.

1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 To continue a tradition is hard enough
But then, to enhance it ….
John Lyall did just that
And won the ‘earts of the ‘Appy ‘Ammers
Plus many a neutral too

2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 And while they’ll forever be blowing bubbles
At Upton Park, they’ll always hark
Back to a mentor and his successor –
Ron Greenwood and John Lyall, may they Rest in Peace
Ironed into the memories, of the faithful in Claret and Blue

Notes

Quote from Trevor Brooking :

“He was a much-loved figure at Upton Park and had a lasting influence on the club’s development and the way the team played.”

“Like Ron Greenwood before him, he encouraged good, open attacking football and all West Ham fans will be deeply shocked by the news.”

“He was a man of great integrity and loyalty and anyone who knew him would have nothing but good things to say about him. ”


John Lyall succeeded Ron Greenwood as West Ham manager in 1974.

They won the FA Cup twice, in 1975 and 1980. They beat Arsenal in 1980 – the last team from outside the top-flight to win the FA Cup.

John left West Ham in 1989. He took over at Ipswich in 1990 and guided them to the Premiership. He retired from management in 1994.

Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Source: http://footballpoets.org/poems/john-lyall-r-i-p/