Geoff Pike: West Ham legend who served the Hammers proud (original) (raw)

Former West Ham midfielder Geoff Pike was a key figure in the club's success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, helping the Hammers to FA Cup glory in 1980 and promotion to the top flight the following year. Pike joined the Upton Park youth ranks as a ten-year-old in 1966 and spent 21 years at the club before moving on to wear the colours of Notts County and Leyton Orient. Now aged 49, he works for the PFA as a regional coach and he spoke to givemefootball's Mark Shail.

WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR CAREER?

I would have to say winning the FA Cup in 1980, which was a great experience, and also being part of the team that won promotion from the old Second Division the following year. We also had some memorable games in Europe while I was at the club.

WHO WERE THE BEST PLAYERS YOU PLAYED WITH?

I was fortunate enough to play with the great Bobby Moore towards the end of his career before he left West Ham to sign for Fulham. Billy Bonds, Trevor Brooking and Geoff Hurst are other players that spring to mind and I also played against Martin Peters in a testimonial game. So you could say I was lucky enough to have played with, or against, some of the great legends in West Ham's history.

AND WHAT ABOUT PLAYERS YOU CAME UP AGAINST?

When I was in America I played against the likes of Pele, Eusebio and Franz Beckenbauer – and that was a great experience.

HOW MUCH OF AN INFLUENCE ON YOUR CAREER WAS FORMER HAMMERS BOSS JOHN LYALL?

As a coach, a person, a manager, as well as a man, he was a massive influence on me for a large part of my playing career. When I joined the club as a ten-year-old in 1966 he was the youth team coach and later, when Ron Greenwood took the England job, he became my manager at West Ham and gave the club great service over a long period of time.

WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THE WEST HAM TEAM TODAY?

I think the manager (Alan Pardew) has done an excellent job and it all bodes well for the future at Upton Park. At the start of the season most people connected with the club would have settled for finishing fourth from bottom in the table, but the team has certainly exceeded expectations. Alan has spent very well, buying some promising young players and I think there is still more to come from the side.

WHO ARE THE CURRENT PLAYERS THAT EXCITE YOU AT UPTON PARK?

Anton Ferdinand is a very promising player and he has forged an impressive defensive partnership with one of the new signings – Danny Gabbidon. Paul Konchesky is another young player Alan brought to the club and he's having a really solid season. Nigel Reo-Coker has great potential as well, while I think Benayoun is a player that will only get better and better. Certainly the future is looking bright for West Ham fans.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW?

For the last seven and a half years I've worked as a regional coach for the PFA, looking after 14 clubs in my region. I get the chance to work with both young and senior players, helping them through their coaching qualifications. One of the pleasing things about my job is that I'm always welcomed with open arms at all the league clubs I visit.