Those that follow ‘London Shoes’ will be fully aware that I am a biiiiiiig fan & a season ticket holder of “West Ham United FC”.
Therefore I was extremely chuffed to unexpectedly receive a letter in the post the other day, from long serving club captain Mark Noble, inviting me to a special event entitled an “Evening with Pellegrini & Noble” held at the teams London Stadium ground where a specifically selected number of supporters will spend the evening with club Manager ‘Manuel Pellegrini’ and club captain ‘Mark Noble’.
The event was held at the club Chairmen’s prestigious, and I have to say, very impressive ‘Great Briton Lounge’ – at no cost at all to me, and with a free ‘cheeky’ beer thrown in as well 🍺😲 all of which is very strange, as I didn’t even know that they knew me personally 😜😉
So, off I trotted last night to the London Stadium in Stratford-E15, to venture into parts of the ‘Hammers’ stadium that I’ve never been near before, and am likely to never set foot in again (eg the posh parts for the extremely wealthy 💷🍾🥂)
Anyway – I am pleased to report that it was an extremely enjoyable and humorous evening, that was compared brilliantly by the comical ex club legend ‘Alvin Martin’ 😄🎤
For the first half of the evening the audience were entertained by the club manager ‘Manuel Pellegrini’ and club captain Mark Noble (eg ‘Nobes’) – and then after an interval it was a Q&A session with ‘Nobes’ and ex-player, young Jack Collinson, whose career was tragically cut short by a horrific injury, but who is still involved with the club as a youth coach. 🗣🎤
The ‘vibe’ of the event was a really good and certainly provided me with an opportunity to see how the ‘other half’ live when attending home games – no flat beer-no queuing at the bar-no dodgy pies-& no mile long queue for the bogs for these folks matey 🚽🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️
I also got the chance to have an exclusive view of the new claret & blue ‘carpet’ that has this week, been laid to cover the running track encircling the pitch…….and it looks really good.
So – all in all, an entertaining one-off memorable experience for ‘London Shoes’, and one that was a little bit different from the norm. 😉
Sorry the photos are a bit grainy, but I thought that the ‘London Shoes’ footie fans out there may enjoy seeing them. 🏃♂️⚽️🥅
A nice surprise to receive in the post
On the way to the London Stadium – to try and locate the prestigious & exclusive ‘Great Briton Lounge’
Entrance to the ‘posh’ parts of the London Stadium
The Stadium and pitch – with the newly laid claret & blue carpet covering the running track
Neckin’ down my ‘free’ cheeky one, in the posh peoples bar – ( However, they didn’t let me forget my roots, as they gave me a plastic cup)
All the other ‘invites’ starting to arrive and settling down for the start of the event (with their plastic cups too)
Ex player and club legend ‘Alvin Martin’ who did a brilliant job compering the evenings entertainment
The ‘Boss’ Manual Pellegrini – settles himself down on stage
Manuel Pellegrini explaining his football philosophies and strategies to compere Alvin Martin & the audience
Club Manager Manuel Pellegrini & club captain Mark Noble – field questions ‘from the floor’
Grabbing a ‘cheeky’ one during the interval – this is how the more affluent supporter enjoys a beer
Me & the late great legendary & long serving club captain Bobby Moore – (who ‘won’ the World Cup for England in 1966)
“Geoff & Geoff” – (Clemmo & Hurstie -) the legendary Geoff Hurst – who also ‘won’ the World Cup for England in 1966 – and still the only person to have score a hat-trick in a World Cup Final
The legendary Martin Peters -another West Ham player who also ‘won’ the World Cup for England in 1966 – scoring one of the goals in the 4-2 victory
The ‘Great Briton Lounge’ in all its finery
One of the many displays in the clubs Great Briton Lounge
The start of the second half of the event – this time my ‘cheeky’ beer was in a proper glass
Compere Alvin Martin introduces Mark Noble & Jack Collison to the second part of the evenings event
‘Nobes’ and Collison listening to the audiences questions
Mark ‘Nobes’ Noble answering the audiences questions
Mark Noble enjoying the ‘bants’ with the audience
A last look at the pitch – before heading off home
One final ‘cheeky’ one in the ‘Great Briton Lounge’ before heading off back home, following a very entertaining and enjoyable evening, with the ‘Gaffer’ and ‘Captain’ 🙂
What an honour for you
That’s brilliant. My Dad would have loved that
Isn’t your seat behind the directors box? Probably got u flagged and want to keep an eye on u! Fantastic venue though!
And on the same night the mighty Spurs reach the Champions League semis😜😜😜😜
Looks like a great night Geoff. Obviously didn’t trust you with a glass though 😉. You’ve got our ‘Saints’ up there soon – we still need a few points so take it easy 😇
Never forget watching West Ham win the World Cup in 1966 with my mum as I was home from school for a few days sick.
Looks like you fell on your feet as usual! Luckier than our cat you are
How did you manage that mate? I only pay £525 for my season ticket! I did have a box next to Wilshire for the Watford game surprisingly he was injured and in his box 😂😂⚒
I think your Chairmen are just after a mention on “London Shoes”!!!
My 1st ever game 1967 Sheffield Wednesday v West Ham including Bobby Moore Martin Peters and Geoff hurst. Older brother usually found wearing either Spireites or Hammers shirt.
Looks like you had a fantastic time Geoff x
Mark Noble’s Dad worked in Tate and Lyle as a lagger and he quite often had shirts and footballs given to him for Mark to sign.
Thanks for sharing that fact Kev – Good old ‘Nobes’ – Mr. West Ham & what a leader of men he’s been over the years👏🏻 I envisage this, or next season, at a pinch – will be his last in the 1st team squad – hopefully he will be offered, and hopefully he will accept, a full-time job at the Club – possibly coaching the youngsters👍
Cheers…..GEOFF (LONDON SHOES)