Mervyn Day (1971-1979)

Mervyn Day (RIGHT)

Name: Mervyn Richard Day

Date of Birth: 26 June 1955

Place of Birth: Chelmsford, England

Nationality: English

Position: Goalkeeper

Date Joined Club: 1971 (as apprentice), first-team 1973

Date Left Club: July 1979

Appearances for West Ham: 237

Nicknames: None prominently recorded

Trophies (West Ham only):

• FA Cup: 1975

Mervyn Day emerged as a highly promising young goalkeeper in the early 1970s after progressing through West Ham United’s youth ranks. Tall and commanding at 6ft 2in, he made his senior debut in 1973 and quickly established himself as the club’s first-choice keeper. Day played a vital role during a turbulent period for the team, helping them avoid relegation in his breakthrough season and becoming a regular in the following campaigns.

At just 19 years old, he became one of the youngest goalkeepers to appear in an FA Cup final at Wembley, keeping a clean sheet as West Ham defeated Fulham 2-0 in 1975. His performances that season also earned him the PFA Young Player of the Year award, a rare honour for a goalkeeper. Day remained a consistent presence between the posts for several more seasons, contributing significantly in both league and European competitions before transferring to Leyton Orient in 1979.

Mervyn Day joined West Ham United as a promising apprentice in 1971 and broke into the first team during the 1973/74 season. The tall, athletic shot-stopper from Chelmsford quickly adapted to the demands of top-flight football, displaying composure and excellent handling that marked him out as a future star. Over the next six years, he became a mainstay in the Hammers’ goal, accumulating more than 230 appearances across all competitions.

One of the defining moments of his West Ham career came in 1975 when, still a teenager, he helped the club secure the FA Cup at Wembley. Keeping a clean sheet in the final against local rivals Fulham, Day played a key part in lifting the famous trophy. His excellent form that year saw him named PFA Young Player of the Year, cementing his reputation as one of England’s brightest young talents in the position.

Despite facing some challenges with form in later seasons, Day’s dedication and presence left a lasting impression on supporters at Upton Park. After leaving West Ham in 1979, he enjoyed a long career with several other clubs, including Orient, Aston Villa, and Leeds United, before moving into coaching roles. His early achievements with the Hammers, particularly the 1975 FA Cup success, remain highlights of a solid and memorable playing career.

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