Hammers call for silent tribute
West Ham are urging supporters to observe a minute’s silence before tonight’s FA Cup final rehearsal against Liverpool in memory of former manager John Lyall.
The planned silence before Sunday’s semi-final victory over Middlesbrough was broken by an impromptu rendition of “Johnny Lyall’s Claret and Blue Army“.
But Lyall’s family have requested a minute’s silence be held before kick-off this evening, and West Ham fans will be asked to respect their wishes.
Lyall, West Ham’s fifth manager, was in charge at Upton Park for 15 years. He won two FA Cups, in 1975 and 1980, and led the club to their highest league position of third in 1985-86.
He died suddenly last Tuesday night, aged 66, and tributes will be played over the public address system from former Hammers Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters.
West Ham will then set about Liverpool and, just 17 days before the two sides meet at the Millennium Stadium, look to lay down a marker for the FA Cup final.
“We want to put on a good performance and show Liverpool what they will be facing in the final,” said Hammers defender James Collins.
“People might say that the pressure is off – but we won’t be looking at it in that way.”
It will be an extra special occasion for Collins, who grew up as a Liverpool supporter and is out to get the upper hand on boyhood hero Robbie Fowler.
Collins’ bedroom wall at his childhood home in Newport was plastered with Liverpool posters and most of his family grew up as Reds fans.
Fowler is not eligible for the FA Cup final – he featured for Manchester City before moving to Liverpool – so tonight is Collins’ only chance this season to pit his wits against the former England striker.
“I’ve supported Liverpool since I was a kid, so I’m really looking forward to the game,” said Collins.
“Robbie Fowler was my hero – he was on fire when I was in my teens and really taking an interest in Liverpool – so to play against him would be a massive honour.
“Hopefully, if I’m selected to play, I’ll put in a good performance and keep him quiet.”
