Upton Park as it is now! | The Boleyn Return | A quick trip down memory lane

[@BS15RED]

Having now visited the London Stadium with Bristol City last weekend after going to the Boleyn the last time we were there in 2011, my heart breaks for you guys. The Boleyn was a beautiful ground, so much character and so atmospheric under the lights. That London Stadium is soulless. That’s not criticism of West Ham as a club or a fanbase, just the way I see it.

[@dixiedean9876]

I'm an Evertonian and Scouser, but in the early to mid nineties I was based in London with my regiment (1 Kings). I used to go and watch the Hammers if it was a mid week game. Got to know a lot of good lads from the firm. If any one reading this remembers me, I was known as Army Carl or Scouse Carl. Went to one of last games at Upton park when you played the redshite (LFC) in an Fa cup game You/We beat them 👍. Watched the game in the Army and Navy pub and slot of old faces turned up to meet me for pint. They remembered me after 20 odd years. I miss Upton park.

[@HammersChatForum]

Love that comment mate

[@JJStockman]

I’d prolly be more fond of the London stadium than most West Ham fans but I also truly miss the Boleyn, properly special ground that was

[@gazza4461]

Hi gonzo. I know we are at the London stadium now but upton park was special.

[@jamesmcintyre7278]

I’m watching this getting tearful, wonderful memories of being round there walking to the Bobby Moore stand where I used to sit. Don’t think going to the London stadium has moved us forward, seeing what they’ve done to our lovely stadium breaks my heart.

[@hammer8551]

Had a lump in my throat watching this Gonzo,so many great memories,my Dad took to my first game when I was 5 in 1955,glad I haven't been back since we moved,😢😢😢

[@PeNguiN5CS]

Long live the Boleyn! Feels odd being one of the last generations to have been able to go there.

[@spencermason5377]

Alot of respect Gonzo for doing that I couldn't do it would break my heart

[@ratedfrog476]

Lol

[@contactlight8079]

I left London in 86, that was my last year of going regularly to U.P. When I returned in the mid 90s after the renovations, I didn't recognise the place. I think the ground I grew up with vanished long before Upton gardens. Still, it's sad to see the local area, the old stomping , being so disconnected to West Ham.

[@garychallis3459]

I agree, I left England for Australia in 1984 I couldn’t believe those awful plywood towers on the front when I returned in 2001. Unfortunately in the closed season so I didn’t get to see a game. I enjoyed the walk around Upton Park but it looks very bland, with a few years of dirt and graffiti it will resemble the old tenements. It looks like the architect played with LEGO a lot.

[@garychallis3459]

@@robertsiggins4561 Funny enough I was at that game in 2019. I managed to squeeze it in whilst on holiday in Europe. I liked the Stadium and met some great people. I’d been gone too long for lingering memories of Upton Park, interestingly in the Bilbao game programme was an article about my great, great uncle Billy Barnes. We stayed at the Holiday Inn on the corner of Carpenters Road so stumbled upon the West Ham match day local, The Carpenters. A good old rowdy pub with lots of singing. I might make over for a couple of games next year if we ever get out of lockdown in Melbourne. COYI.

[@palacehaunter5442]

West Ham is gone gone gone now West Ham London lol XD

[@contactlight8079]

@@palacehaunter5442 I got a bit of time for Palace. The history and all that. No need to come over here and be all chippy.

[@palacehaunter5442]

@@contactlight8079 You could support True East London club Leyton Orient or Spuds, both better than hammers. West Ham Upton Park was pushing West Ham further and further to Essex but what Stratford does now allows West Ham to be localised to London which is good.

[@markstevens6568]

My first game was Nov 1963 versus West Brom and we won 4-2. My mother was born in Green Street in 1917 and was evacuated during the war. Great memories. We had to move onwards and upwards as nothing stands still in life. Great video, well done Gonzo!

[@w2brad918]

Now is Mumbai Dhaka why all white run from that area you even minority only whites are polish Lithuanian ad Romanians why you run

[@rodbarrett2152]

Thanks Gonzo, saves me the bother of going to see it. I couldn’t face it.

[@Bobby-uv1xf]

Hi Gonzo, I started going to West Ham in 1966 (boys entrance) in the North Bank.... Good times, this may be my last season going to games at the London Stadium, the magic has gone... Always a Hammer. Stay safe everyone COYI !!!

[@zanussidish8144]

North Bank as well though only since 89. Sadly felt lost looking at most of that, didn't know where I was or would have been. 😟

[@Bobby-uv1xf]

@@zanussidish8144 I moved away from London in 2005 don't miss it at all. Many of us used the same pub's and cafés... The Central, Ruskin arms, Duke of Edinburgh, Black Lion and many others good times.. sadly gone.

[@priceyhammer2624]

I would happily take relegation every 10 years or so and a decent cup run or final appearance every 10-15 years to be back at Upton Park. We’re West Ham, we’ve never known anything more than that. Couldn’t care less about champs league and all that corporate commercialism that comes with it. I would much rather of kept our identity as a working class, community club, all pulling in the same direction than what we have become now which is basically a soulless tourist attraction. Long live the Boleyn. From a fan who grew up in the blocks above Nathan’s pie mash behind the south bank/Bobby Moore stand

[@alunwall1458]

My first job was on the white buildings behind the Southbank, where Nathans pie and mash was. During the week i would sit on the roof and watch Bobby Moore and co training. I can still see and hear them now in my head . This is one of your sadess videos Gonzo.

[@barkinghammer8591]

I first went with my dad in 1968 east stand (chicken run ) then as a teenager the north & south banks 25p for under 16 not been to the new place yet thank you gonzo another great vid

[@davidlangley1725]

from a lifelong Coventry City fan, (the real sky blues) I completely sympathise with all West Ham fans. Same thing happened to us. So sad So depressing. All your memories and the club,s history and traditions stolen by people with no emotional investment in your club. Highfield Road is now a housing estate So sad. Good luck West Ham fans I visited Upton Park a few times. Great atmosphere.

[@HammersChatForum]

Thanks for the kind words mate. Your great club has been well and truly shafted.

[@JJJJ-fi9dg]

Hope to see cov in the prem soon

[@jackkelly3208]

I was fortunate enough to get to play on the pitch at the boleyn, during the summer after our last season there. There was a charity event, and fortunately someone my dad worked with had a team and was involved.. someone dropped out and I got to play (even though I hadn't kicked a ball since I was 12!). Great to play there, got to use the official changing rooms and come out the tunnel, makes you appreciate how big a proper size football pitch really is! Even playing 7 aside on half the pitch was knackering. Awesome day, we went off the beaten track a bit afterwards and got in what was the old press room, where the manager took the after the match conferences. We sat in the manager's seat and took some pictures! Awesome day, but still, even then they had begun to rip the first few batches of seats out, sad to look around and see that and it was one of the first times that it really bit that it was the end of an era.

[@tonypap1]

Smashing mate. Lovely memories ♥️ Just really sad NOT to see the ground there 😪

[@elmaco6679]

Thanks Gonzo. Heartbreaking really. Last time I was anywhere near the centre circle there was Trevor Brookings last home game. I was about 12 and ran on with everybody at whistle. Life moves on, but still puts a lump in ya throat don't it.

[@richierich3683]

I still have been down there since we left don’t think i can do it, this will always be our home so heartbreaking to watch !!

[@zanussidish8144]

Same here. Though I will someday...

[@whu58]

Grew up and went to school (Upton Cross & Harold Road & Lister) and worked (Curwen Press) in Plaistow from 1965 to 1987, the mid week night games, the flood lights from a distance, the smell of burgers & onions from the dodgy push carts, the rossette & badge sellers, the peanut vendors, the pie & mash shop, the Boleyn pub and the chippy near Credon road school are just some of the great memories I still hold - sadly nowadays Upton Park has lost its soul.

[@grizzadams38DJGrizz]

Life time supporter but also worked there as a 'Red Coat Security' for around 5 or so years from 2010 and stood outside West stand/Bobby Moore entrances opp Supporters Club every home game rain or shine! Parked up around Aragon Road every time and walked in past Nathans and cut through alley to Castle St Spooky and little sad to see exactly where used to stand all them years

[@andywalsh1185]

Heartbreaking really ,I’ve not been back since the Man U last game.I couldn’t face going back myself but cheers mate for doing it 👍

[@StevetheWeave.]

Lay back, feet up & shut my eye's...and I can still hear the sounds, imagine the smell's and taste the atmosphere that used to surround the ground on every match day. There are certain things I think about (and miss) 'Every single day'...my Mum, my Dad and watching (with him) my team playing at Upton Park. Bitter sweet memories!

[@essexranger]

Hi mate…..actually quite glad you did that. I hadn’t really been back to the Boleyn for many years and had moved to Spain years before they sold us out. I was hoping that you’d be able to pop into Bobby Moores shop almost opposite the main entrance to pick me up a pair of 1972 away socks. Cos that’s just what I bought from there back then….😉⚒⚒⚒ Almost had a little tear then. Nice one 👏👏 Will always be home to me ❤️💔

[@spiderfingers2005]

I went St Edwards school, bang next door to the ground. We used to be able to see all the players coming into the ground from the school playground. I remember waving to Johnny Lyall, and Phil Parkes coming over to the school to hang out with us kids for a while.. he was a giant! Good times.. I cant even recognise the place now.

[@MichaelLeavyJr]

Kris I tell you what a piece of content this was brilliant. Thank you. As a circumstance and a spectacle I tell you what that was a hard watch. I felt sadness and nostalgia. I've done that walk so many times, it feels like part of my childhood (and beyond) has gone. So sad. It may sound silly to some but goodness this moved me... Thank you all the same sir

[@alessandroduma1594]

As an italian Iron fan i attended quite a few game at the Boleyn Ground. What an atmosphere. I haven't been to any other West Ham game since they left.

[@raymoorey8425]

Thanks gonzo, was curious what it looks like now, but honestly I couldn't go back it would break my heart to see it now. So many great memories. It's so sad 😞

[@EileensBoy]

Although I only live in Stratford that’s the my ‘visit’ to Upton Park since the last game. I still feel it was right to move for the club to grow, albeit the actual move was handled so poorly. The old place has for me so many great football memories, but more than that in later life my Nan moved to a council flat in Boundary Road where I went after the game in the 70s/80s. My Nan always knew how we did by the level of crowd noise during the game and the look on my face when she opened the door, “don’t worry dear, they’ll pick up”. Still we have the consolation that from being in Upton Park, just over the border in the old borough of East Ham we are now well and truly back in West Ham. Thanks Gonzo.

[@PWMoze]

As you get older and little bits of your personal history disappear, you become quite philosophical about 'progress' and how people and times move on. You can't live in the past, you have to go with the flow or you get by-passed. But this development absolutely breaks my heart. I'm sure Barrat Homes think its great and will continue to cover every trace of the Boleyn as soon as possible. But I bet there's very few Hammers living in those flats. Thankfully the Boleyn pub hasn't been destroyed, even if most of the local businesses we all remember are long gone, by why would you want to drink there now? The whole area just breaks your heart.

[@theofarmmanager267]

I agree with your first assertion. I’m probably much older than you - still remember twinkle-toes Redknapp making his home debut - and, yes, you do get more philosophical. As you say, times move on and progress is not always good - but it’s always there. How did the Thames Ironworks team feel when they had to move? Probably as pissed off as you are. Of course, I’d rather have the Boleyn; great times in the 70’s sneaking into the south bank and then showing your claret and blue. Let’s just hope that what’s happening with the team is not a false dawn; with Moyes, I feel reasonably confident.

[@debenhamdave4314]

Thanks Gonzo, feel a bit sad watching this, must of been to 400+ games over the years at the Boleyn sadly missed but never forgotten ⚒⚒⚒⚒

[@mikeevans4358]

Very gut wrenching. Used to walk down castle street when was in Bobby moore lower towards chicken run and get a mad dag at the food cubicle on priory road. Cheers Gonzo

[@BrianClonmel]

Brilliant brilliant Gonzo. I first went in 1967 through pretty much until 1992 Stay safe ALL thanks Gonzo

[@WorldCupWillie]

On the housing estate where Middlesbrough's old ground was they put a cast iron football sculpture where the center spot would have been. I thought that was a nice touch.

[@rickyhine3597]

I moved from england in 2010, i cried while watching the last game on tv, and this video just rips the heart out of me again. Such a sad video. I am so glad i live in canada now and dont have to see this live.

[@Morganbk2847]

Thanks for doing this amazing video gives a great perspective on how the ground and area has developed since 2016 haven’t been around the area since June 2018 makes me sad seeing it like this though

[@Tedthehammer]

Well done Chris thanks for walking around and showing us looks so different now coyi

[@gerrycollins2335]

Funnily enough, in all my years of going to Upton Park starting in the 60's and ending just before it was sold, I don't think that I ever went around the back of the East Stand , i.e. the former Chicken Run. Perhaps once, looking for another way in around 1969, when I got locked out of a rain-drenched match against Spurs which ended 2-2. I was habitually in the North Bank and occasionally in the West Stand.

[@nickfield596]

Blimey - that was sad. First went there in the late 70’s when I moved to London, having been a Hammers fan since ‘66 but living in the midlands. Used to meet mates pre-match, first in The Queens, then The Boleyn and then in latter years, in the supporters club, before going in to the West Side or the South Bank. So weird seeing those tall flats and the Supporters Club as they were, but everything else gone. Everything changes - but not always for the best.

[@paulmccarthy6663]

Braver man than me Gonz. I’m taking my eldest two to the Genk game when we’re home next week (we’re in Dubai now), and whilst I’m looking forward to taking them to their first game, the pub, the walk, the smells, the queues, bubbles, the overpriced gourmet burger and Waitrose Bovril…it’ll sadly never be as it should’ve been in my view - and for that alone the club has never truly been the same for me since we left the old place. Always my club, always support the team, but along with the castle on the badge, forevermore something missing. COYI.

[@stevenspraggs4953]

wish i knew you was down kris i only live down the road could have come down and met you breaks my heart every time i walk down there

[@leenewhamc.o.y.i4021]

Brings tears to your eye's ⚒️⚒️⚒️

[@johncook691]

I went to have a look a few weeks back and it's like we were never there. Some great memories of the Boleyn and also unhappy ones too. Who could ever forget that last night?

[@ade7292]

I remember earlier this year having to do a delivery for Ocado here before I went back into care work. It may sound stupid but it really hurt doing that delivery as it was like a large part of my life had been taken from me. As mentioned I may be being silly but it's how I felt at the time.

[@markwarren1331]

The centre circle is the climbing frame its not the grass circle i was informed by workers there on the ground

[@martinduggan4077]

sad sad mate went back to me dads funeral couple years ago . drove back to ground from manor park and was shocked . lots pubs closed , the ground was gone . west side boy me .

[@jamiewm]

I haven’t been back since the final game, I don’t think I ever will 😔

[@checkchoc]

Took a walk down there for the first time since leaving the Boleyn Ground. about six weeks ago. Felt sick, and couldn't stay in the area for long. Can't bring it back i know, but what an absolute travesty that we let OUR Stadium go, without putting up a fight. The stories told about couldn't build higher, No chance of a new stand due to the bus garage. All to deflect us away from staying at the Boleyn Ground. I won't set foot down there ever again. You can see the effect it has had on the area. Businesses closed. Our very own Street Sellers, put out of business. A warning to anyone who plans to take a visit. To me there is a horrible sense of loss, being cheated. I live 150 miles away from Upton Park. There is no way i could pass there daily, weekly, monthly. Still painful and gut wrenching after 5 years.

[@tomwhite5885]

Very difficult watch that mate. So many childhood memories for me.

[@pauldhammer]

when I walked away after the last game, vowed never to go back, that video confirms my decision... surreal

[@trevorgorman4844]

I haven't seen it since May 2016. So sad its gone ☹ .... I even lucky enough to play there on a couple of occasions, great memories especially Cup games under lights.

[@downundermick3464]

Never got the chance to go to Upton park can't imagine how hard it is to see what's there now the thing that sticks to me is the high rise development when apparently you were told not possible for ground moving forward

[@zanussidish8144]

Funnily enough I never enjoyed going there until I was inside the stadium. But that was great.

[@keddw]

Looks pretty grim, though it seems they have tried to blend it in with the 19th century buildings in the area. But the ground was never the same, anyway after 1994 when it became all seater

[@TaZ-MaN307]

Right seeing it all for the 1st time, it looks lovely for the aera, but it's at the cost of our home, the housing shld be named after West ham fc tho

[@waynearnall6588]

Upsets me and I’m a forest fan . Went there 3 times with my club. Hope we never leave the city ground these grounds are part of the community

[@davidh209]

“Amazing… not in a good way” - summed it up perfectly

[@TaZ-MaN307]

1 heart breaking video and I haven't been back since

[@vernonharvey5657]

I thought they were going to be luxury apartments, they are pretty underwhelming to be polite considering the greatness of what they replace

[@spanishpeaches2930]

Being an Evertonian, moving to the new development is going to be good but also heartbreaking. Such a shame there was no room to develop Goodison further. So, I do feel for all WHU supporters who have that feeling of loss.

[@Hammerman48]

The area that includes the car park could easily have been the footprint of a massive stadium like Spurs….the area was there…..but it would have cost getting on for £800M so I guess the lure of a rented stadium for 2M per year won out. Plus we got money for the Boleyn ground. It’s sad to see though. So many memories.

[@firemantrippy]

West Ham had prelimary permission for a rebuild of the old East stand (incl the chicken run) with other smaller mods, that would have taken the limit to just over 45,000, but it ws kept quiet as soon as the chance to get the Stadium at Stratford, I know which I would have preferred, COYI.

[@Hammerman48]

@@firemantrippy Yes...there was 15 metres of pitch between the East stand and the touchline. The idea was for a single bank of seats from the pitch all the way up to the level of the Bobby and Trevor stands. That would have taken us up to 46,000, but as you say, GSB wanted Stratford.

[@thunderjoy7250]

Gonzo I ride past there nearly every day to go work....how things have changed 😔

[@MrPETEHAMMER]

So weirdly enough I was watching a Utube walkabout from the tube station,thru Queens market down Green & into the new Upton estate… And the small green circle garden is to do with WHU bubbles….apparently🤷🏾‍♂️

[@keithydream83]

Truly Heartbreaking 💔 to watch…. 😢

[@sicks6six]

the walk down from the station past the market buying a programme at that terraced house then told NO at the Boleyn, precious, we used to go up Plastow for a drink pre-kick-off,

[@aintnoplum]

It’s spot the English down there now so sad we all got pushed out

[@JJJJ-fi9dg]

No you chose to move out, there’s a difference …

[@trevoroneill397]

Wow. What an utterly depressing video. That place and the mates I made properly saved me and made me what I am today. To see the lack of reverence for the place, the people and the history is enough to bring a tear to my eye.

[@stumpy1958]

Great job. Cheers mate from Australia.

[@TaZ-MaN307]

Hay back in the day I got to walk the hole pitch and I mean every inch at Upton Park, cos me my brother and the ground staff had 2 days to clear 9 inches of snow from the (U.P) pitch 8n time for the Newcastle game, and we had just signed Lee Bouyer and he was practicing corners on the pitch... I even got sacked in front of the whole 1st team once at Upton Park 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I think I made my no. 307 from the north stand famous for that 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@paulhobday9272]

Great SAD video Gonz! Thank goodness they haven’t done that our beloved VILLA PARK!

[@leecoyi5159]

This is heart breaking to see, spent more than half my life round there😭😭

[@DaBooster]

I had the same disorientating feeling when I went back to the old baseball ground in Derby. Luckily they did put a monument where the old centre circle used to be in the form of a garden and statue

[@Richo65]

just wondered if you have seen footage of when we leave goodison which will be so emotional dreading than day if you look for future stadiums uk on youtube you will see it and where bramley moore dock is and new stadium

[@glenmarshall4980]

Very sad , 😥 a tear to the eye

[@neilcooper4493]

First watching mate,couldn't go back myself 😥

[@robinwillson8739]

Thank you for doing it Gonzo, but what a sad indictment of GSB

[@russelwebster4011]

the bollox mate. Had me Welling up that.

[@TaZ-MaN307]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 that was where my cousin lived on the corner and I use to watch my games there before seeking in 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@chrisworby9162]

😢 sad to see but a great video bud

[@LiamK1998]

I miss Upton Park

[@carlwharmby9424]

Heartbreaking gonzo.

[@leebadenoch6313]

Grew up round the back of queens market just round the corner from prince of Wales pub could see UP from bedroom window, family still there today so go back regularly just ain't the same walking along green street though and the way the Boleyn pub got forgotten about by the fans is terrible, many times through my season ticket years I had great days and nights in there some even better than going to the ground shame it isn't used as much or at all anymore.

[@rogercooke4589]

Fair play for doing that video, as you perfectly summed it up heartbreaking and sad 👎

[@TheWESTSIDE1967]

im in Stratford but often in the area where the Boleyn was, i said the same during development that i thought we had to move because we couldn't build up as it would of obstructed the 3 blocks of flats behind the old chicken run, lies lies lies, if you use the middle flats out of the 3 that was centre of the pitch behind old chicken run ? ⚒

[@morganwoodvine6388]

Bye bye my beautiful boleyn ⚒

[@Matt.WHU.Rayney]

Sadly Gonzo mate I’m from East Ham. I do all in my power to never walk down there. 😭

[@danieldacosta4350]

I haven't been back since for the reason that made me feel a mixture or anger and sadness - someone clearly made a lot of money out this to make the sale of the Boleyn look a paltry sum - If we'd have moved to a stadium which respected our rich history and requirements for football at least this watch could have been more bearable - couldn't redevelop due to the bus station eh!? Thanks though Gonzo.

[@markrodrigues7792]

Sad especially for those brought up around there and with deep long family roots

[@jamiehavill8937]

Sad times, the circles in the middle of the gardens was to resemble the bubbles and the turf was to represent the centre circle ⚒️☹️

[@Hammerman48]

Arsene Wenger tried to buy an apartment in the Highbury gardens but he left it too late and missed out…..Strange to see the old place, sad too…..my first game was 23rd August 1969 v West Brom and we lost 3-1. Seems like yesterday…….

[@zanussidish8144]

Any chance you remember the Coventry game that season?

[@Hammerman48]

@@zanussidish8144 No, I only went to my first game that season.

[@zanussidish8144]

@@Hammerman48 ok, thanks for your reply

[@johndavies4317]

😢😢 that was the stadium I liked Gonzo, don't get me wrong the London Stadium is OK but not a patch on Uppton Park for atmospheres and excitement. I'm disappointed that they didn't have more of the stadium in the new apartments, even if the had the front with the turrets. Sorry about the spelling, you know what I mean, I never been back since they got shot of the ground. All the best mate. John From Cornwall.

[@joemomma7789]

Next time (i.e. after all that other building is completed) could you film it walking from the Tube station to the ground? That would give me a better perspective of the changes. Thanx in advance. (Y) COY(f)I

[@rjmiddleton1698]

Halloween coming up and that was a horror show. Really sad. I had trouble watching that Gonz.

[@palacehaunter5442]

Despise West Ham, but enjoy Gonzo west ham chat. Would have been nice if you wore a west ham shirt while roaming around the ruins of the Boleyn? Fun fact: Did you know that West Ham locals in the 70s used to huddle around on the main road in 'Hornchurch every Sunday morning and speak about West Ham's game aftermaths, blocking traffic as usual, that's the way West Ham likes it.

[@leemower]

Chin up we got the planning permission to add more seats so hopefully we will be up against the pitch ... 67000 we will have the biggest stadium of any London club whoop whoop up the hammers!!! And 5-3 on pens against man city yesterday get in lads come on!

[@lewisdowsett8390]

Far to upsetting Will ALWAYS be our home

[@dannythunders1]

i miss that place soo much

[@Youtubas]

Now that West Ham are doing great, does the London Stadium feel more like home to WHU fans?

[@adechapman.1132]

Who remembers the 1986 season ? Queuing up against Chelsea & being turned away because of the amount of fans who turned up .

[@telboy007]

Holy crap... hardly recognise the place, but then my walk in was from the other side.