Hammers in mourning as legendary manager dies

WEST HAM legend Trevor Brooking admits the club have been “devastated” by the death of former manager John Lyall.

Brooking yesterday led the tributes to West Ham’s most successful manager, who died on Tuesday aged 66 after suffering a heart attack.

The news comes just two months after the death of his mentor, West Ham boss Ron Greenwood, who alongside Lyall was responsible for leading the club into the modern era by creating the famous Upton Park ‘Academy’. Lyall led West Ham to victory in the FA Cup final in 1975, and repeated the feat in 1980 with the Hammers in the old Second Division, a feat which has not been repeated.

And Brooking, whose header secured that victory over Arsenal 26 years ago, admitted the news had come as a major shock to him.

“It’s terrible news... it was a complete shock because he was fine with his health.”

Lyall spent 33 years at Upton Park, turning to coaching after injury cut short his playing career.

As well as the two FA Cup wins, he also led West Ham to a European Cup Winners’ Cup final, a League Cup final and to their highest league placing ever, when they entered the final weekend of the 1985-86 season still in with a chance of the title before eventually finishing third.

He was sacked by the Hammers following their relegation in 1989, and went on to manage Ipswich, leading them to the Second Division title in 1992.