Calm down, calm down, I'm talking about the Dad, not the son! You will note that all the nominated players so far have won medals for West Ham and, for this reason if for no other, I rate Frank Senior over some of the more popular cult figures at Upton Park.
Along with Brooking, Lampard collected an FA Cup winners medal in both 75 and 80. He didn't score in either final but, as a defender, he deserves his share of credit for the two clean sheets and, of course, nobody will forget his goal scoring celebration in the semi final replay victory over Everton. Cue Frank's run to the corner and running round the flag in circles - and that was before players had fancy routines to mark a goal!
In total, Frank started 669 times in Claret and Blue with a further two appearances as sub. Apart from that semi final goal, he scored another 21 times, which is hardly in the Tonka Stewart or Julian Dicks league, but isn't a terrible return. He should have scored more though because he had a thunderous shot when he let fly. I was at Stamford Bridge in 1971 when Frank drilled in from just outside the box and I seem to remember another special one against Liverpool. Like Stewart, Lampard took no prisoners in a tackle but a single red card again points to a level head and a sound tackling technique. Mind you, if playing in the modern game, Frank's hit them hard technique might have seen him in an early bath more often. Bonds and Lampard on the two opposite flanks of our defence might well have persuaded a few opponents keen to avoid bruises to look inside rather than take it down the touchline!
To all intents and purposes, Frank was a one club man, his first team career spanning an amazing 18 seasons (he was put out to grass at Southend in typical East End fashion). The club treated him disgracefully when he was invited to leave along with 'Arry and that decision cost us the services of one of the greatest players ever produced by West Ham, Frank Junior; but more of that later.
Frank only made two appearances for England, highlighting that he was never really top drawer but he was a trier and his commitment to the cause was never questioned. But how on earth did he let his son grow up as a Chelsea supporter? Clearly he failed in his parental duties!
Any personal memories of Frank?
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That's a bit dissapointing I was chomping at the bit and now I have to agree with you again Frank is a legend I was at the game in Brighton when he got sent off for a proffesional foul so not even a bad tackle really and the season before he would have got no more than a yellow probably only a ticking off
ReplyDeleteAs sad as Frank snr's sacking was I doubt very much that Frank jnr would have stayed nor that he would ever have become as good as he is if he had stayed in that comfort zone. Rio was better than him when at the club and I think is our greatest loss from that golden age and he got sold no problem.
Did you watch Football Focus today and see a player show how to behave toward the club that nutured you well done Keiran Richardson
Sorry Deane, still you can chomp away about my tongue in cheek views on tats and democracy!
ReplyDeleteIn your quest for world West Ham blog domination, you post too often with a negative take and when you try to be more factual, you get facts wrong. Frank Lampard, legend that he is, was not a one club man like Brooking. He finished his career with Southend after leaving West Ham. If you were a proper authority on West Ham you would have surely known that. If you wish to be taken seriously, perhaps you ought to do more research to update your knowledge as judging by your responses, your blog has about as much credibility as a fly pitcher in Oxford Street selling fake designer gear!
ReplyDeleteI must admit that was nagging at me. I had an idea that he had finished his career elsewhere but, for the life of me, couldn't remember where. Still it shows I am relying on my brain matter and not checking out Wickipedia and the like doesn't it? It may not be true in fact but it is in spirit. He was put out to grass at Southend, his career was spent at West Ham! Apolgies for the slight error!
ReplyDeleteA legend. showed respect (though not to opposing wide men) and earned it.
ReplyDeleteHis fat son should take a leaf out of his book,
three men couldn't carry.....
tonyboy