Words cannot possibly convey the depth of sadness we supporters are feeling today at the passing of another legend, or just how much John Lyall did for the long-term good of the club that was his life for 34 years.

No-one among the ranks of former Hammers has been more supportive of EX Magazine than John - he had even kindly penned a foreword to a forthcoming book we plan to publish later this year - and the last time we spoke to him was when he phoned our office to praise our tribute to his mentor, Ron Greenwood. "You did him proud," he said. Amid all the sadness, I am proud to have been the last to interview John, for the Friday night Hammertime show on our local radio station, TIME 107.5FM. When I called him at home recently to invite him on to pay public tribute to Greenwood, John didn't hesitate to accept. After all, eulogising about the man who did so much to influence his own illustrious coaching and managerial career came very naturally to him and it hurt him that Greenwood was not revered more for what he did to establish West Ham on the European football map, playing a brand of entertaining and adventurous football that his own teams would always seek to emulate in subsequent years.

West Ham United has always been HIS club. And following so soon after the death of Greenwood, who can deny that another massive part of the heart and soul of West Ham has gone with them both?

A distinguished coach, manager and father figure to his players, as well as a kind, caring and considerate gentleman of football...John will be sadly missed by everyone who now appreciates just what he meant to West Ham and what the club meant to him.

It goes without saying that the next issue of EX will be dedicated to the life and times of John Lyall, the man who really was claret and blue through and through.