Hi Kenny, thanks for taking the time to talk to Blowing Bubbles. What are you up to these days?
I’m now manager of Dagenham and Redbridge’s under-16s and am the club’s lead development coach and I’m really enjoying it – it’s a good club.
Looking back at your West Ham career, what was the highlight?
My debut for West Ham was obviously a highlight but I think the day I signed permanently was a very special and proud moment for me.
Who was the best person you played with and against?
In terms best player I played with it was Julian Dicks; he dictated & dominated play from left back. I always felt we had a chance when he was playing. The two best players I came up against were Chris Waddle and Mark Hughes. Both had totally different styles but were equally top, top players in their own way.
You famously scored the winning goal against Manchester United in 1992, handing Leeds United the impetus in that season’s title race. How good of a moment was that?
It was obviously a great personal moment and I know it is a night the fans still remember fondly. Being under the lights with a full house and beating Manchester United, it doesn’t get much better than that.
Towards the end of your career you played and managed in the Welsh Leagues and also in Spain for FC Torrevieja. How did these moves come about?
Peter Nicolas took me to Barry Town as his player/assistant manager and had I enjoyed three really good years there as we won the domestic league and cup double three years running. Unfortunately the Club went into administration and as a family we decided to move abroad. I joined FC Torrevieja as a player and we got promoted in my first season. We were there for nearly six years and I loved my time in Spain both professionally and personally.
You were assistant manager to Julian Dicks at Grays Athletic. How was that experience?
It was a great experience working with Julian again. We are good friends and he was also out in Spain with me. He got the Grays job and asked if I would go with him. I enjoyed my time there working with Julian under some very difficult circumstances.
What do you make of West Ham’s current owners, David Gold and David Sullivan?
I think they have been excellent for the club and have delivered everything the fans wanted up to now. I’m pleased they backed Sam Allardyce last season but now they have a tough decision to make going forward.
What do you make of Sam Allardyce and the purported ‘West Ham Way’?
Sam was just what West Ham needed at the time and has been really good for the club over the past few seasons. Whether he’s the right man to take us onto the next level and into the Olympic Stadium is another matter.
Where do you stand on the Olympic stadium?
We have now got the Olympic Stadium as our new home so we have to back it and try and make it a special place. How long that could take, who knows but Upton Park will always be home for me. It will be a sad day when we do move.
Who stands out in the current West Ham squad? What areas would you improve this season?
In goal, Adrian has been excellent and was a massive bonus last season. Winston Reid and Mark Noble are both top players as well. I would like to see more attacking options though so I think we need a creative midfielder.
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