Sebastian Kay previews a rematch of the 1966 World Cup thriller to be held at West Ham stadium…
West Ham move another day closer to leaving their home ground at the Boleyn Stadium to take up residence at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
To mark the occasion a ‘Legends’ match is being played on Monday 2nd May, where former football stars and celebrities from England and Germany will take to the pitch, aiming to re-create the thrills and spills of that memorable match 50 years ago, when they met in the final of the 1966 World Cup.
The England team will be led out by former captain, Rio Ferdinand and he will be joined by renowned players such as Teddy Sheringham, Paul Scholes, Sol Campbell, David Platt, David James, Jamie Redknapp, Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler. The Assistant Manager for the night is die-hard Hammers’ fan, actor Ray Winstone.
The opposition boasts World Cup winners Lothar Matthaus and Guido Buchwald, alongside Fredi Bobic, Mario Basler and Jens Nowotny, captained by midfielder, alongside ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich player, Michael Ballack.
Looking ahead
Meanwhile, over at the Olympic Park, the finishing touches are taking place to the new stadium.
Claret and blue are predominant, and the crossed hammer crests are now in position to welcome spectators into the 60,000 capacity arena. In readiness for the opening celebratory match on Sunday 7th August West Ham will welcome the formidable and recently crowned Italian champions, Juventus.
West Ham are currently lying in 6th position in the Premier League and are pushing hard for a place in Europe. With the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea snapping at their heels, the mood and motivation must certainly be riding high amongst Bilic’s men and indeed throughout the club, fuelled by the anticipation and excitement surrounding the big move.