Graham Paddon: your tributes

  • by Matthew O'Greel
  • Wednesday, 21st November 2007

Your tributes to Graham Paddon - who died earlier this week - have been flooding in.

The popular midfielder passed away on Monday at the age of just 57. Here are just a few of the scores of tributes we have received ...

"I was shocked and saddened to hear of Graham's death. We were class mates together in Manchester and both supported City and played in the school team together for four years.

I watched him play at Maine Road for Norwich and the Hammers and he just glided across the turf, just as he had at school. A very fine player and unlucky never to play for England.

R.I.P Graham, you will be sadly missed." - Marcel Podeur

"As a life long West Ham fan living in Norfolk it was with sadness that I heard of Graham Paddon's untimely death today, especially as I only spoke with him on Friday last.

Before being able to afford the trips to Upton Park my early teenage years were spent watching Norwich City and marveling at Graham’s left foot. Believe me, when it comes to bending free kicks David Beckham was an amateur next to Graham.

He once told me that big Joe Corrigan, who played for Man City, ranted at him after one game in which Graham had put a 20 yard free kick past him. Joe told him that he had it covered until the last couple of feet where upon the ball swerved into the net leaving Joe stranded.

Graham will be missed by all who had the pleasure of seeing him play - and especially those who knew him." - Pedro

"Very sad news. I, like many Hammers fans was highly pleased we'd prised him away from Norwich (and getting rid of Ted MacDougall into the bargain made it twice as nice).

A great player, that left foot was as good as anyone around at the time, I never had the pleasure of meeting him but I'm grateful for many afternoons entertainment." - Mark Nunnery

"With the exception of Dev, Graham is my all time favourite West Ham player. Very underrated.

I remember a midweek game, first home game of the season against QPR. We won 1-0. I was about 13 standing in the North Bank against the advertising hordings directly behind the goal.

Graham scored from 25-30 yards and the ball was coming straight at me. He hit that hard that I ducked as I thought it was going to break the net and hit me. From that day onwards he was my favourite player until Dev arrived.

R.I.P Graham & god bless your family." - Runwell Ray

"I met Graham two years ago at the 1975 and 1980 Cup Winners night. He was a lovely, modest bloke who still looked pretty fit for 55. He was coaching in Brunei at the time and I had flown through there on the way to London.

He was a great bloke who was popular with all the 1975 players. I always remember him as a reliable player who had a terrific left foot and scored the occasional scorcher from 25 yards or so. Linked up well with Trevor Brooking.

Thanks for the memories Paddy." - The Old Mile End

"He was at the club when I first started supporting WHU. A good player from a time when men were men and I couldn't wait to be old enough to grow a beard too. I never did manage it ..." - East Belfast Hammer

"I'm too young to have seen him live as a player but have seen many clips and highlights of games that he helped illuminate. I loved the footage on YouTube of the Frankfurt semi-final - and of course he was an integral part of our FA Cup-winning team in '75.

Another member of the West Ham family leaves us too early. I really hope there's a few moments dedicated to him this coming Sunday. He certainly deserves it." - WestHamByTheSea

"Graham was the Hammer that I looked up to and tried and emulate on the football pitch when I played. He was full of power and running, had a great work rate and wasn't short of skill with a thunderbolt shot. Alas I got nowhere near Graham's level.

The mid-seventies Hammers side were so special for me and Graham is a great loss." - NZ Hammer

"One of my all-time favourites. A real class act with a bit of grit as well." - Hammer at Home

"A lovely player - typical of what's best about West Ham United and Norwich. A skillful, technically adept player with a bit of flair - and dodgy hair." - KT Hammer

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