Robert Banks, Author at Blowing Bubbles

A chaotic centenary season of red cards and surprise signings

October 3, 2026 Robert Banks 0

The 1995–96 campaign was West Ham United’s centenary season, and having ended the previous campaign on a high, the expectation was that Redknapp would take the team from strength to strength. The centenary celebrations involved

Exploring the chaos of Harry Redknapp in his very first season

August 30, 2026 Robert Banks 0

What happened at West Ham United in the summer of 1994 is one of the great mysteries alongside The Bermuda Triangle, The Loch Ness Monster and Crop Circles. All that is known for sure is

Rebuilding Upton Park and surviving the drop during the dawn of the Premier League era

June 17, 2026 Robert Banks 0

Promotion was achieved in May by the narrowest of margins. Indeed, the hair’s breadth between success and failure was highlighted by the fact that Portsmouth, who missed out by a single goal, failed to reach

Toxic bond schemes and pitch protests amid a grim relegation battle

April 4, 2026 Robert Banks 0

Promotion in May had proved something of an anti-climax, with the team crawling over the line and missing out on the Second Division title at the last minute. That lack of momentum continued into the

The Billy Bonds Years: ‘To lose the title in the last minute was as disappointing as it was typical’

March 9, 2026 Robert Banks 0

Those of us who remember the 1990-91 season often think of it as a time of thrilling football and a triumphant return to the First Division under the heroic leadership of the legendary Billy Bonds.

The Uncle Jeff Formula: Why history suggests West Ham can still secure survival

February 4, 2026 Robert Banks 0

Just a quick reminder for those of you who haven’t come across it before, the Uncle Jeff formula is my way of comparing results against last season, mapping progress or otherwise, producing a projected points

The Lou Macari Months: Betting scandals and the chaotic end of this particular era

January 24, 2026 Robert Banks 0

Mark Ward’s departure for Manchester City at the end of 1989 facilitated the arrival of two players who would go on to become Hammers Legends – Trevor Morley and Ian Bishop. But their debuts at

Macari Months: Gambling, scandal, and a slide into chaos

December 8, 2025 Robert Banks 0

Lou Macari had what can only be described as an average start to his time at West Ham. But fears about his perceived long ball style proved unfounded as the team played football at times

The Macari Months: Chaos, controversy, and the manager who changed West Ham’s culture in 1989

November 17, 2025 Robert Banks 0

The Shock Succession: Lyall Out, Macari In Despite the rapid decline in West Ham’s fortunes following their third place finish in 1986, it still came as something of a shock when the board voted unanimously

The great betrayal: How Lyall’s £2M transfer failure sealed West Ham’s relegation

October 25, 2025 Robert Banks 0

Tony Cottee left for Everton in the summer of 1988 for a then British record fee in excess of £2m. Manager John Lyall chose to spend less than half, investing £600,000 in David Kelly and

Articles by Robert Banks

A chaotic centenary season of red cards and surprise signings

Exploring the chaos of Harry Redknapp in his very first season

Rebuilding Upton Park and surviving the drop during the dawn of the Premier League era

Toxic bond schemes and pitch protests amid a grim relegation battle

The Billy Bonds Years: ‘To lose the title in the last minute was as disappointing as it was typical’

The Uncle Jeff Formula: Why history suggests West Ham can still secure survival

The Lou Macari Months: Betting scandals and the chaotic end of this particular era

Macari Months: Gambling, scandal, and a slide into chaos

The Macari Months: Chaos, controversy, and the manager who changed West Ham’s culture in 1989

The great betrayal: How Lyall’s £2M transfer failure sealed West Ham’s relegation

How West Ham fans are helping to change the world for the better

A chaotic centenary season of red cards and surprise signings

Why I still miss the magical matchdays at the Boleyn

Why letting Freddie Potts leave for Europe makes perfect sense