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.
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