I was once lucky enough to have the opportunity via BBC Radio 5's 'five a side' show, for who I presented a brief weekly slot on sport from the fans perspective, to spend the morning training with West Ham United at Chadwell Heath.
Billy Bonds was the manager and Harry Redknapp was the assistant manager. The coaches and players were great and made me feel very welcome. I 'played' in an eleven a side and then a five a side game and in the first I played on the wing where I was marked by Julian Dicks! Three tackles - Julian 3 - Rich 0!
Suffice to say I wasn't selected for that weekend's game!
After training Billy and Harry met me in the manager's office and Billy kindly said lots of nice things about me giving 100% effort, you're welcome back anytime etc. Momentarily I felt pretty good until Harry chipped in with a smile and a quip that shall we say quite rightly questioned my ability with my dozen(ish) keepie uppie's not impressing anyone and after giving the ball away regularly during the practise games!
A top day. A great bunch of people and a very good memory.
Memory added on January 18, 2021
Comments
No comments have yet been added to this memory.
