If you’re struggling to think of what you want to read for Christmas or want some gift ideas for a fellow Hammer, don’t worry… Blowing Bubbles is here to help you! We’ve picked out eight books that should be compulsory reading for any West Ham fan. With autobiographies from Harry Redknapp and Sam Allardyce and brilliant portraits of the legend Bobby Moore, there’s also stories of the beautiful Boleyn and the move to the Olympic Stadium. A real variety and something for every Hammer unless you’ve already read them all!
Nearly Reach the Sky: A Farewell to Upton Park, Brian Williams
Brian reminisces the highs and lows of supporting our beloved team. As we can all agree supporting West Ham requires a good sense of humour to be able to get over the ups and downs of supporting this great team. This book does this and people who aren’t supporters of the club speak of their enjoyment of reading it, so for any fan this is a must read to look back over the beloved Boleyn years.
Home From Home: A West Ham Supporter’s Struggle to Reach the Next Level, Brian Williams
Another brilliant book by Brian but this book focuses more on the struggles of our recent move. A great in-depth look going from that great fi nal game through the struggles at our new home. Taking us through our time again with Brian’s brilliant humour making it a thoroughly enjoyable read.
They Played For John Lyall: The West Ham Years, Tim Crane
John Lyall is one of the most successful managers in the history of our club. Managing players such as Frank Lampard and Billy Bonds this book covers all 77 who played for him. Their stories and unpublished photographs have been showcased in one book. With a foreword from Sir Alex Ferguson and a personal message from John’s wife, Yvonne Lyall, this is a great book and a perfect present.
Bobby Moore: The Man in Full, Matt Dickinson
As somebody who never had the chance to witness Bobby play, this was a great way to visualise his career. I learned so much about Bobby on and off the pitch and enjoyed getting to know a West Ham hero. It goes from start to finish where he is haggling over a few quid a week, then past his managerial days all the way to the sad end. A great way to learn about the legend.
Goodbye To Boleyn, Pete May
This book is a great way to look back on certainly my favourite season of supporting West Ham. Even if the memory is slightly tainted by the Payet saga and Bilic no longer being around, this was a great season and one that should never be forgotten. A humorous, eloquent read and a great way to try and forget our poor Stratford form.
Bobby Moore: The Definitive Biography, Jeff Powell
A great take on a legend and has been described by many as an admirable portrait, which considering the prestige of the legend it is no easy feat. Every West Ham fan should read about Bobby, it brings you closer to the club and understand its rich history. You will always enjoy reading more and more about Bobby.
Big Sam: My Autobiography, Sam Allardyce
I will always respect the achievements of Allardyce and his tried and tested methods of achieving stability. In this book you can read about how he does it from the big man himself as well as learning about his long playing career.
Always Managing: My Autobiography, Harry Redknapp
This book probably isn’t for everyone and you may skip the parts on Spurs but this is a great way to get to know Harry. You learn Harry’s side of knowing Bobby and working with him, that strange court case against him (from his side) as well as his time at our club so definitely a worthwhile read.
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