West Ham legend sees launch pad !
West Ham legend Clyde Best sees our win in Europe as a launch pad for bigger and better things.
Clyde was one of England’s first black footballers and was regularly taunted with racist chanting from the terraces but bravely overcame it to become a fans favourite at the Hammers.
He was a powerful player – an old fashioned traditional English centre forward, tough to dispossess when he had the ball and good in the air.
He made his debut for West Ham United on 25 August 1969 at the age of 18 and his first goal for the Hammers came during League Cup competition in a 4–2 win against Halifax.
In 1973 Best deputised for an injured Bobby Ferguson in goal against Leeds and eventually played 218 games and registered 58 goals for West Ham over seven seasons between August 1969 and January 1976.
He was a hero and more than a footballer and will forever be remembered who overcame the scourge of racism which has often disfigured the face of the game.
And he believes the win against Fiorentina to secure their spot in next season’s Europa League, was a major achievement for David Moyes’s team.
“I think this will definitely inspire and motivate the team,” said Best, who scored 47 goals in 186 appearances for West Ham from 1968 to 1976.
“It’s a big incentive for the club and if you don’t want to be playing in Europe then something is wrong with you. You’re playing on a bigger stage and playing against better teams.
“It’s a good competition to be in and gives the club the possibility of getting players that want to come just to participate in Europe.
“It’s a great thing, not only for the club but for the fans, so from that point of view it’s a win, win situation for everybody.
“All the fans are happy and are still in the streets now partying. It was a great thing that happened for our club and should make us better and stronger.”
What a top man ! Thanks for the memories Clyde.
