Always Managing: My Autobiography (49 page)

I met Sandra at a dance in the Two Puddings pub in Stratford. I was lucky enough to be the one that got to dance with her.

When Frank Lampard broke his leg in a game, it ruled him out of being my best man. But he did end up marrying Sandra’s sister.

Waved off by a boy with a Hammers bobble hat and a rattle – you don’t see that often at a wedding these days.

My mum, Violet, and dad, Harry Senior, at our wedding. My dad took me from an early age to see his beloved Arsenal and, though never professional, was quite a player in his own right.

And still mates all those years later.

We’ve been married 46 years and I always say she was my best signing.

A classic West Ham side, including myself, Bobby Moore, Billy Bonds and Frank Lampard Senior. 1971–72 would be my last year with the Hammers.

In action against Hereford in 1972. The great Bill Nicholson marked me out from the off as a winger who didn’t score enough goals. I was certainly no Gareth Bale, registering not a single goal in my final season at Upton Park.

Me and Bobby and some of the West Ham lads out for a few beers at Raffles in Canning Town.

Me and Bobby with Mark and Jamie out on the pitch during our American adventure with the Seattle Sounders.

Relaxing at home 70s style: me and Sandra, son Mark and dog Matty.

We might look like mechanics, but that was our training gear. Me, Geoff Hurst, Clyde Best, Trevor Brooking, Pop Robson, Ronnie Boyce and John Ayris – probably thinking about the steak and kidney pie we would be having for lunch in Porkies Café.