• Name: Carlos Alberto Tevez
• Date of Birth: 5 February 1984
• Place of Birth: Ciudadela, Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Nationality: Argentine
• Position: Forward
• Date Joined Club: 31 August 2006
• Date Left Club: Summer 2007
• Appearances for West Ham: 26 (Premier League)
• Total Goals Scored: 7
• Nicknames: El Apache, Carlitos

Carlos Tevez arrived at West Ham United in the dying moments of the 2006 summer transfer window as part of one of the most mysterious and hotly debated signings the Premier League had ever seen. The talented young forward joined from Brazilian side Corinthians alongside his compatriot Javier Mascherano in a permanent deal that later unraveled to reveal complex third-party ownership involvement. This arrangement triggered a lengthy investigation, a record fine for the club, and ultimately helped bring about important changes to Premier League and FIFA regulations on player ownership. Coming from the tough Fuerte Apache neighborhood in Buenos Aires, where he had earned the nickname El Apache, Tevez brought pace, power, and an unmistakable South American intensity to East London at a time when West Ham were already showing signs of struggle after a mixed opening to the campaign.

His integration into English football was far from smooth at first. An early substitute outing against Aston Villa signaled his arrival, yet the team continued to slip down the table. By early March 2007, with Tevez having just scored his first goal for the club against Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham sat rooted to the bottom in 20th place and around ten points from safety with only a handful of games left. It was then that he exploded into life. Blessed with explosive acceleration, powerful shooting, and an unyielding work ethic, Tevez embarked on a sensational scoring run that transformed the side’s fortunes. He went on to score all seven of his Premier League goals in the closing weeks, sparking a remarkable turnaround that became known as the Great Escape.

West Ham won seven of their final nine matches, including a vital 1-0 victory over Arsenal and the unforgettable 1-0 win at Manchester United on the last day of the season, where Tevez’s first-half goal secured Premier League survival. The club finished 15th with 41 points, three points clear of the relegation zone. Although his time in claret and blue was brief and ultimately cut short by ongoing contractual complexities that saw him move to Manchester United the following summer, Tevez left an indelible mark. He was voted the club’s Hammer of the Year and is fondly remembered as the man whose goals and passion dragged West Ham from the brink and into one of the most dramatic escapes in the club’s modern history. His seven goals in 26 Premier League outings may understate his influence, but the timing and significance of those strikes, combined with his wholehearted approach, turned him into a true cult hero whose name still evokes strong emotions among the Upton Park faithful.

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Name: Ronnie Boyce (full name Ronald William Boyce)

Date of Birth: 6 January 1943, East Ham, Essex, England – Died 13 February 2025 (aged 82)

Place of Birth: East Ham, Essex (now part of London), England

Nationality: English

Position: Midfielder

Date Joined Club: 1959 (as a schoolboy and apprentice); first-team debut on 13 October 1959 in a Southern Floodlight Cup match against Millwall

Date Left Club: Retired from playing duties in 1972 (continued in coaching and scouting roles until 1995)

Appearances for West Ham: 341 in all competitions

Total Goals Scored: 29

Nicknames: ‘Ticker’ (earned for his tireless, energetic midfield performances)

Managerial Record (Caretaker Manager, February 1990)

• Games Managed: 1 (brief interim spell between Lou Macari and Billy Bonds)

Trophies (won as a player)

• 1964 FA Cup
• 1965 European Cup Winners’ Cup

Ronnie Boyce was born and raised just a short distance from the Boleyn Ground in East Ham, where his deep connection to West Ham United began at an early age. A talented schoolboy international, he joined the club’s youth setup in 1959 and quickly progressed through the ranks. His first-team debut came in a cup tie against Millwall before he made his Football League bow the following year. From the early 1960s onwards he established himself as a reliable and hardworking presence in midfield, forming part of one of the club’s most successful eras alongside stars such as Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters.

His breakthrough season came in 1963–64 when he played a pivotal role in West Ham’s first major trophy triumph. Boyce scored twice in the FA Cup semi-final victory over Manchester United and then headed the dramatic 90th-minute winner in the final against Preston North End at Wembley. The following year he was part of the side that lifted the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965, underlining his importance to Ron Greenwood’s exciting young team. Nicknamed “Ticker” for his relentless energy and box-to-box style, he became known for his consistency, work rate and loyalty, making him a firm favourite with supporters.

Boyce remained a one-club man throughout his playing days, retiring in 1972 after more than a decade of service. He stayed at the club in coaching capacities under John Lyall, contributing to further FA Cup successes in 1975 and 1980. In later years he took on the role of chief scout and even stepped in briefly as caretaker manager in February 1990. His lifelong dedication to West Ham spanned more than 35 years in various capacities, embodying the values of loyalty and commitment that defined the club during its golden period. Ronnie Boyce passed away in February 2025, leaving behind a legacy as one of West Ham’s most respected and beloved figures.

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Name: Francis McAvennie

Date of Birth: 22 November 1959

Place of Birth: Glasgow, Scotland

Nationality: Scottish

Position: Striker

Date Joined Club: June 1985 (first spell); 1989 (second spell)

Date Left Club: October 1987 (first spell); 1992 (second spell)

Appearances for West Ham: 190

Total Goals Scored: 60

Nicknames: Macca, Frankie Bhoy

Frank McAvennie was a dynamic Scottish forward known for his clinical finishing, aerial ability, and energetic style of play that made him a fan favourite during his two spells at West Ham United. He arrived from St Mirren in the summer of 1985 for a fee of around £340,000 and quickly formed a potent attacking partnership that helped elevate the team’s performance in the top flight. In his debut campaign, he delivered an outstanding tally of goals, contributing significantly to one of the club’s most memorable seasons. He later returned to the club after a stint elsewhere, adding further goals and memorable moments, including a hat-trick in his final appearance. His time at the club showcased his knack for scoring crucial strikes, particularly with his head, and endeared him to supporters through his commitment and flair.

West Ham Trophies Won: None (Football League Second Division runner-up: 1990–91)

Frank McAvennie emerged as a talented striker from the streets of Glasgow, beginning his professional journey with St Mirren where he honed his skills and gained recognition as a promising young player. His move to West Ham United in 1985 marked a turning point, as he exploded onto the English scene by netting an impressive number of goals in his first season, helping the team achieve a strong league position. This period highlighted his ability to thrive in a more competitive environment, partnering effectively with teammates to create and convert scoring opportunities. After a successful spell north of the border with Celtic, where he added to his trophy collection, McAvennie made a return to East London, bringing experience and leadership to the squad during challenging times that included relegation and promotion battles. His contributions extended beyond statistics, as he became synonymous with exciting, attacking football that captivated crowds at Upton Park. Throughout his career, McAvennie earned caps for Scotland and built a reputation as a lively character both on and off the pitch. Post-retirement, he transitioned into media work and public speaking, sharing insights from his playing days. His legacy at West Ham remains tied to memorable goal-scoring feats and a deep connection with the club’s passionate fan base.

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Bobby Moore, my hero, steals a quiet nap while Jimmy Greaves enjoys a thoughtful pipe at England’s 1966 World Cup training base in Hendon. This is the original black and white photo, beautifully colourised by AI. What an amazing, intimate glimpse of these legends in a rare moment of calm before history was made. Pure gold: R.I.P