Lyall memorial to launch
Filed: Tuesday, 7th June 2011
By: Staff Writer
It
is now more than five years since the passing of the legendary John
Lyall, arguably the most successful manager in West Ham United's
history.
Since his death in April 2006, the following permanent memorials and tributes have taken place:
1. A Blue Plaque unveiling at the Boleyn Ground by the Sports Heritage Foundation.
2. A Tribute Dinner at Upton Park presented by Len Herbert and Murray Lyall.
3. The renaming of The John Lyall Gates and the opening of the Greenwood/Lyall Lounge.
A
unique opportunity has arisen for West Ham United supporters of all
ages to contribute towards one final, fitting memorial recognising the
significant achievements of Lyall as a player, coach and manager with 34
years' continuous service until his departure from the club in 1989.
Many
of our readers will know Tony Hoskins, a life-long West Ham supporter
and close friend of the Lyall family. Tony made us aware that John’s son
Murray is currently involved with delivering a new clubhouse facility
at School Lane, Lawford, Essex.
"Behind the scenes there has been
a dedicated development team putting together business, technical and
football development plans and securing the essential funding," he told
KUMB.com. "This was all put together at a remarkable rate of knots,
drawing on people's 'real life' experience in terms of their day time
jobs, often encroaching.
"The application was incredibly
professional and the supporting material prepared meticulously. A
180-page document was prepared to cover every aspect of the proposal.
Whilst it was very much a team effort, the club recognised Murray's hard
work and dedication to put it all together, hour upon hour upon hour
which finally got both clubs to the point of submission, when he was
presented with the Clubman of the Year award in 2009-2010.
"Construction of the new £515,000 Football Foundation
Facility is now underway. However this was only made possible by the
Lyall family kindly donating a sum in excess of £27,000 from the
proceeds raised from the aforementioned tribute dinners."
The
ground is owned by Lawford Parish Council, but both junior and senior
clubs submitted a proposal that the new facility be named in the memory
of John Lyall. This has now been officially confirmed.
The new
facility will be named The John Lyall Pavilion and will be officially
opened by Sir Trevor Brooking CBE on 11th September 2011 with many other
Ex-Hammers players attending. However both clubs still require a final
sum of money for fixtures and fittings to complete the build prior to
opening of the newly formed Lawford Football Club.
"What a great
gesture and mark of respect it would be it would be if fellow supporters
could contribute a financial sum towards the funding for this project,"
continued Hoskins. "We have spoken to the club and dependant on the
volume of support they will either erect a plaque with names of all persons making donations or compile a commemorative book listing the contributors with a message.
"Either way, one of the options will be permanently on display in the new facility when it is built."
In
order to pledge a donation to the scheme, contact Murray Lyall by email
stating the sum of money you intend to pledge. You will be notified by
return with regard to the procedure for making a payment for the amount
you intend to donate.
* Please note that all individual donations - however large or small - will be dealt with personally by Murray Lyall.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
Filed: Tuesday, 7th June 2011
By: Staff Writer
It
is now more than five years since the passing of the legendary John
Lyall, arguably the most successful manager in West Ham United's
history.
Since his death in April 2006, the following permanent memorials and tributes have taken place:
1. A Blue Plaque unveiling at the Boleyn Ground by the Sports Heritage Foundation.
2. A Tribute Dinner at Upton Park presented by Len Herbert and Murray Lyall.
3. The renaming of The John Lyall Gates and the opening of the Greenwood/Lyall Lounge.
A
unique opportunity has arisen for West Ham United supporters of all
ages to contribute towards one final, fitting memorial recognising the
significant achievements of Lyall as a player, coach and manager with 34
years' continuous service until his departure from the club in 1989.
Many
of our readers will know Tony Hoskins, a life-long West Ham supporter
and close friend of the Lyall family. Tony made us aware that John’s son
Murray is currently involved with delivering a new clubhouse facility
at School Lane, Lawford, Essex.
"Behind the scenes there has been
a dedicated development team putting together business, technical and
football development plans and securing the essential funding," he told
KUMB.com. "This was all put together at a remarkable rate of knots,
drawing on people's 'real life' experience in terms of their day time
jobs, often encroaching.
"The application was incredibly
professional and the supporting material prepared meticulously. A
180-page document was prepared to cover every aspect of the proposal.
Whilst it was very much a team effort, the club recognised Murray's hard
work and dedication to put it all together, hour upon hour upon hour
which finally got both clubs to the point of submission, when he was
presented with the Clubman of the Year award in 2009-2010.
"Construction of the new £515,000 Football Foundation
Facility is now underway. However this was only made possible by the
Lyall family kindly donating a sum in excess of £27,000 from the
proceeds raised from the aforementioned tribute dinners."
The
ground is owned by Lawford Parish Council, but both junior and senior
clubs submitted a proposal that the new facility be named in the memory
of John Lyall. This has now been officially confirmed.
The new
facility will be named The John Lyall Pavilion and will be officially
opened by Sir Trevor Brooking CBE on 11th September 2011 with many other
Ex-Hammers players attending. However both clubs still require a final
sum of money for fixtures and fittings to complete the build prior to
opening of the newly formed Lawford Football Club.
"What a great
gesture and mark of respect it would be it would be if fellow supporters
could contribute a financial sum towards the funding for this project,"
continued Hoskins. "We have spoken to the club and dependant on the
volume of support they will either erect a plaque with names of all persons making donations or compile a commemorative book listing the contributors with a message.
"Either way, one of the options will be permanently on display in the new facility when it is built."
In
order to pledge a donation to the scheme, contact Murray Lyall by email
stating the sum of money you intend to pledge. You will be notified by
return with regard to the procedure for making a payment for the amount
you intend to donate.
* Please note that all individual donations - however large or small - will be dealt with personally by Murray Lyall.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]