Tuesday night will be one of the most emotional in West Ham United's history as they play their last ever game at the Boleyn Ground against Manchester United.
And the club's chief shareholder and co-chairman David Sullivan has spoken exclusively to Goal via Hugh Southon – the founding editor of ClaretandHugh - ahead of the final match in Upton Park history.
He speaks of his emotions, how he became a Hammer, his favourite player of all time, what Tuesday night means in real terms and of the club's future at the Olympic Stadium.
Great sadness, but I know within 12 months 95 per cent of supporters will realise it's the right move. However, on the night it will be very emotional for us all. There might be more tears spilt than at any place in the UK at one time for a very long time.
The best climax, but the way results went at the weekend we have to win to keep the European dream alive. The best win was the great escape win at Old Trafford and 40 in the Carling Cup at Upton Park a few years ago.
It has to be Bobby Moore as I knew him and he was so modest and a gentleman. But Geoff Hurst, Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds were all close seconds. It’s hard to separate great players.
I moved to Hornchurch, which was and is real West Ham United territory, when my Dad, who was in the Air Force, got posted to the Air Ministry. We lived in airport houses in South Hornchurch opposite the old aerodrome. The latter is now a housing estate.
Yes, but we are only halfway to where we want to be. However, it’s very hard to compete with clubs. Like great corporate and brand support built up over decades, like Arsenal, Liverpool and Man United, or clubs funded by foreign tax zillionaires who pay no British tax like Chelsea, Man City etc. But if Leicester can do it, why not us?
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- Goal