Winston Reid: A Green Street Hammers Tribute

West Ham United and centre-back Winston Reid have agreed to part ways, ending the player’s 11 years with the East London club. The New Zealander, who joined West Ham in 2010 following a strong World Cup, has decided to leave due to limited playing opportunities and a desire to pursue his career elsewhere.

Reid was one of the club’s longest-serving players, and he was fiercely loyal to the claret and blue jersey. He gave the fans many happy moments due to his goals and leadership, but the last few years have been frustrating for the 33-year-old. He has not played for the Hammers since March 2018, and despite playing for the U23 team and being sent out on loan, he could not find a place in David Moyes’ starting line-up.

Reid’s departure is sad to hear about, and many fans gathered to share their memories of him. The Green Street Hammers team was asked to summarize its thoughts on Reid leaving the club. Read what its writers had to say below.

Alex

It’s a shame to see Winston Reid leave the club but even more of a shame regarding how it’s happened. He’s become a forgotten man in the last few years due to injury but what can’t be forgotten was how good he once was for West Ham.

A commanding centre-back who captained the team on multiple occasions and even scored memorable goals such as the winner vs Millwall in 2012 and the final goal at the Boleyn Ground, the winner versus Man United. In some way it feels like he left West Ham years ago but for the club and Reid himself it is the correct thing to leave, however, he will always have hero status.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – AUGUST 24: Winston Reid of West Ham clears the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and West Ham United at St James’ Park on August 24, 2013 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) /

Lou

What can be said about Winston Reid? Alongside being, arguably, the best defender West Ham have had over the past decade, he has scored some of the most significant goals during that time period, also.

The winner against Millwall during our one-season stint in the Championship under San Allardyce, goals against Tottenham and Liverpool as we were back in the big time, but most importantly ‘the’ final ever goal at the Boleyn Ground. A record that can never be taken away from Reid which has forever cemented his name in the Hammers history books.

His debut season under Avram Grant made many wonder whether he was up to the challenge of English football, but he sure proved himself as a fantastic defender and it is such a shame that his West Ham career petered out due to his horrific luck with injuries.

I wish Winston well on all of his future endeavours and he is welcome back at West Ham at any time.

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 04: Winston Reid of West Ham celebrates scoring their second goal during the npower Championship match between West Ham United and Millwall, at Boleyn Ground on February 04, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images) /

Mia

Winston Reid has been a player at West Ham the same time I’ve been a fan. He was sat on the bench for the first game I ever went to – West Ham v Deportivo in 2010 in the SBOBET Cup. I was 9 years old, and was completely in love with West Ham from that moment forward.

He was with us through the best times (THAT goal against United, promotion to the Premier League), and the worst times (relegation to Championship, a great deal of relegation battles). Despite his rather fluctuant career with the Hammers, he played with his heart on the line consistently. For many years he provided a steady head and was a leader amongst our team. I will never forget the last game at Upton Park – he gave all of us a memory to cherish forever.

I wish Winston all the luck in the world for his future endeavors, I’ll always be a huge fan of his. Thank you for your service, loyalty, and dedication through the years. You’ll always be a Hammer!

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 10: Winston Reid of West Ham United celebrates as he score their third goal during the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground on May 10, 2016 in London, England. West Ham United are playing their last ever home match at the Boleyn Ground after their 112 year stay at the stadium. The Hammers will move to the Olympic Stadium for the 2016-17 season. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

James

Winston Reid is one of the best defenders of my supporters’ generation. A physical player with strong heading abilities and a dominant aspect of his game, Reid was a credit to have in our back line. His consistency and solidity were also keep reasons as to why fans came to love him.

Reid had to take some time to prove his worth to the fans, but it sure was worth the wait. He scored memorable goals in the process. Who could forget the volley against Millwall or the header in that game against Spurs? Most of all, fans will always associate him with that goal against Manchester United in the final game at the Boleyn Ground. He was able to put himself in the history books with that header.

The last few years of his time in the East End were difficult due to persistent injuries, and Reid struggled to play games as a result. However, fans should look back on his long tenure with respect and gratitude. He made West Ham his club and paid everyone back with hard work, leadership and thanks.

Winston, you will forever be one of us. Thank you for your service.

Come on you Irons.

BLACKBURN, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 18: Winston Reid of West Ham warms up prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United at Ewood park on December 18, 2010 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /