MALCOLM Musgrove, a key member of Hammers' 1957-58 Second Division championship-winning team, has sadly died at 10am this morning (Sept 14) at a Paignton care home, aged 74.

The former left-winger, who scored nine goals in that promotion-winning season to end the club's 25-year absence from the top flight, had been suffering from Alzheimers and spent the last nine months being cared for at the home in Devon.

He leaves a wife, Jean, sons David and Martin and a daughter, Allison. Our thoughts and sincere condolences obviously go to them.

'Muzzie' scored 85 goals in 282 league games for the Irons, a remarkable tally for a winger. He also netted four times in 16 cup appearances. Only the legendary Jimmy Ruffell (164 goals) scored more times from the wing.

A Geordie born in Newcastle, he was signed by manager Ted Fenton from Lynemouth Colliery, following his demob from the RAF, in 1953.

After four seasons spent in the top flight with West Ham, Malcolm joined our East London neighbours Leyton Orient midway through the 1962-63 season.

He began his coaching career while still at the Orient, working under their then first team boss and another ex-Hammer, Dave Sexton, after retiring as a player.

In the early 70s Malcolm linked up with another former Upton Park team-mate, assisting Frank O'Farrell at first Leicester City (1968-71) and then Manchester United, where they had a season together in 1971-72.

Malcolm went solo for his first experience of management as boss at Torquay United from 1973 until 1976.

A full tribute to will appear in the next issue of EX magazine.