West Ham Memories: Talking with Frank McAvennie

In the first of hopefully a series of interviews with Ex-West Ham players, we spoke to striker Frank McAvennie.

I have to say this was a special pleasure for me. My first West Ham memories are watching season reviews on video round my grandparent’s house, and the ones that covered the mid-late 80’s were my favourites. I used to watch McAvennie and Cottee on tape and then try and recreate the goals in the back garden. As such I want to say a special thank you to Frank for answering these questions. But, anyway, here’s the interview!

Hi Frank, thank you so much for agreeing to answer some questions for us! Many fans still fondly remember the West Ham team of the mid-late 80’s and your goalscoring exploits, teamed with Tony Cottee. Unfortunately I only got to see you in action on videos my relatives owned, but I understand why many fans wish we had that 85-86 side back.

When did you first hear about West Ham’s interest in signing you?

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I only heard about West Ham’s interest when I refused to sign for Luton town. I was in Luton for talks and took a dislike to their chairman, if I had signed I wouldn’t have known anything about the Hammers. So glad I didn’t like him!

Different clubs have different atmoshperes, what was your impression of West Ham when you turned up?

I loved the atmosphere at Upton Park, especially under the lights. I was so was fortunate to score 2 on my 1st game there on the Tuesday night against QPR. I got on great with fans and still do.

As a proper goalscorer we have to ask this, what were your favourite goals for the club?

There was so many that I enjoyed mate! My First 2 in first home game, 3 goals in final game when I came on for last 45 minutes at Upton Park, 2 against Liverpool and 2 against Everton under the lights… then there was the volley against Chelsea! Basically I liked them all!

What was the best game you were involved in for the club?

Definitely away to Chelsea 0–4. Say no more!

For those who want to relive that game, we found a youtube clip below!

Back in the 80’s football had a few more ‘characters’. Who were the best guys to have in the Hammers dressing room?

I think there was that many in changing room back then Wardie, Gaily, Alvin, Dev and Parksie to name a few but it was great fun all round.

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On the other side of things, you had some tough opponents as well. Who was the toughest team/player you came up against?

Liverpool were easily the best team. Alan Hanson was such a great player along side Lawrenson, also Mick McCarthy at Man City and Brian killcline who’s nickname was Killer; says everything about him really!

John Lyall and Billy Bonds are two managers that the Hammers faithful still remember fondly, what was it like playing under them?

I would have run through a brick wall for John; I loved the guy. He treated everyone with respect but you didn’t ever cross him, boy could he come down on you and make you feel like an idiot haha. I miss talking to the gaffer, he was on phone to me even after I stopped just for a chat!

Billy was different but had same respect as John. He wanted his own players in which was fine; he knew I wasn’t the same player after injury I had and spoke to me about it; there wasn’t any problem between us but I just wanted to play and appreciated him keeping me posted on everything.

You managed a rare feat, scoring a hattrick in your final game against Forest. Did you now you were leaving the East End at that point?

Yes I knew it was my last game. Mitchell Thomas faked a pulled hamstring at halftime to let me on so thanks mate! I even told Des Walker what I was going to do to him in tunnel on way out. Brilliant way to leave!

Who from your time at the club would you like to see at West Ham now? That can be Staff or Players.

For me people like Billy Bonds should never be away from the place. In any capacity.

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Finally, what do you make of the Bilic and Moyes decision?

I’m ok with David Moyes coming in as he will bring fresh ideas and won’t take any shit of the superstars that are there. The only problem is the six months contract and what that could mean. I think the board should back away with Karen Brady and maybe let Bonzo be the guy in between manager and board, two football guys can work it out quicker than business guys.

Thank you for answering these questions Frank, it’s been a pleasure!

Hope this is ok for you guys, Be Lucky. Macca ⚒

If you want to hear more about Macca he has his story in book form called Scoring: An Expert’s Guide. If you want more questions put to him let us know and we’ll try and get him again, maybe in podcast form!