Rare West Ham United signed programme from the final ever match at Upton Park
Signed on the front by the former West Ham United Captain and last ever Captain to lead out a West Ham United team at Upton Park – Mark Noble
Hand Signed on the front in black maker pen by Mark with added text ” last captain COYI ”
Rare and beautiful hand signed historic item from the West Ham United club legend and one of the clubs greatest ever players
It was an emotionally-charged evening, a farewell which then-Hammers manager Slaven Bilic described ‘like a movie’.
Scenes outside the ground initially marred the event as the victors’ bus arrived late and was greeted by bottles and objects.
But inside it, the famous arena’s last hurrah saw ‘Abide With Me’ played before kick-off with legends’ names appearing on screen, Bobby Moore’s fittingly getting the best reception, with a closing ceremony full of club legends following an eventful match.
It was a clash which saw Man United’s Champions League hopes dashed as the Hammers boosted their chances of Europa League football in their first campaign at the London Stadium.
How fitting it was that a homegrown hero in Mark Noble was man of the match as things came together and Bilic’s men showed plenty of promise for the following season.
Kick-off was delayed due to events outside and the sheer numbers of people on the streets. Once it eventually got underway, Diafra Sakho put the hosts ahead on 10 minutes, a great start to an evening of celebration.
The next part was not in the script as a quick-fire double from Anthony Martial midway through the second half threatened to rain on the east Londoners’ parade.
But what happened in the next eight minutes was incredible, as Michail Antonio drew them level four minutes later and then Winston Reid put the hosts ahead with the last ever goal at the ground. You can imagine the scenes.
A much deserved victory and a fine way to end 112 years at the Boleyn Ground.
They have since had an eventful few years both on and off the field, not helped by their move to the venue which was originally built to host the 2012 London Olympics.
Oh, how West Ham fans would love another match at Upton Park…
