West Ham legend Tony Cottee has paid an emotional tribute to his father, who he says is the reason he has been hooked on the Hammers for more than half a century.
Former Upton Park favourite Cottee revealed his devoted dad Clive has passed away and then lifted the lid on just what an influential figure he was as the budding footballer and Hammers supporter grew up.
Ex-England striker Cottee, writing in his regular column for the Newham Recorder, has spoken of the fond shared West Ham memories; from cheering on the team from the old North Bank, to his dad watching his son fulfil the ultimate dream and playing for his beloved club.
Cottee, who scored 146 goals in two spells at the Boleyn between 1983 and 1996, and who is the fifth all-time recorder score for the club, said: “I would like to start with some sad personal news. My dad Clive, the reason I have been a lifelong West Ham fan, sadly died over the weekend.
“It was he who brainwashed me from such a young age into being a Hammer, he took me on the North Bank at Upton Park and I have been hooked on the club now for over 50 years. He was a proper fan. He was at the 1964 FA Cup final and European Cup Winners’ Cup final the following year.
“When I became a player, he followed me all over the world to see me play and was such a vital part in my career. I was with him when he died in the hospital and I will miss him very much.”
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