An Irrational Hatred of Luton - A West Ham Fan's Story - By Robert Banks (AUDIO BOOK) Chapters 53-60

An Irrational Hatred of Luton – A West Ham Fan’s Story - By Robert Banks (1995)

This memoir offers a vivid and heartfelt chronicle of a
lifelong West Ham United supporter’s journey, intertwining the club’s
fluctuating fortunes from the mid-1970s through the mid-1990s with personal
experiences, cultural reflections, and the broader landscape of English
football fandom. It captures the emotional highs and lows of passionately following
a football club amid triumphs, tragedies, rivalries, and societal changes,
illustrating how deeply football can be woven into the fabric of an
individual’s life.

Early Years and Growing Passion for West Ham United
Banks’ allegiance began in childhood, sparked by West Ham's
1975 FA Cup Final victory, which left a lasting impression. Early family
influences and admiration for players like Trevor Brooking nurtured his
passion. The first live match attendance in 1978 against Chelsea marked a
growing enthusiasm, set against the social and cultural backdrop of school
rivalries and youth identity in the late 1970s. The story captures the
emotional rollercoaster of West Ham’s ups and downs, including relegation
battles and cup successes such as the 1980 FA Cup Final win, all intertwined
with reflections on political and societal events.

The 1980s: Deepening Fandom, Triumphs, Disappointments and Personal Challenges
During the 1980s, Banks’ devotion intensified alongside
personal milestones, including relationships and immersion in the era’s music
and youth culture. Key matches and players such as Tony Cottee and Frank
McAvennie are vividly recounted, including memorable victories like the 10-0
win over Bury. The memoir does not shy away from darker aspects of the period,
addressing football violence, hooliganism, and tragedies like the Bradford City
fire and Heysel Stadium disaster and Hillsborough, contextualizing the football
experience within broader social issues. The 1985-86 season stands out as a
rollercoaster of near triumph and heartbreak, with West Ham’s record unbeaten
run and narrow failure to win the league title paralleled by personal losses
and intense emotional investment.

International Football and Personal Reflections
England’s 1986 World Cup campaign is interwoven with Banks’
personal narrative, including watching iconic moments such as Maradona’s
"Hand of God" goal on his 18th birthday. These events serve as
milestones that connect national football drama with a supporter’s own life
journey, highlighting the intersection of personal and sporting histories.

Late 1980s to Early 1990s: Club Struggles and Management Changes
The memoir details West Ham’s turbulent late 1980s and early
1990s, marked by relegation battles, managerial shifts from John Lyall to Lou
Macari and then Billy Bonds, and significant player transfers including the
departures of McAvennie and Cottee. Despite setbacks, moments of hope emerged
through cup victories and the rise of players like Julian Dicks and Martin
Allen. Banks’ personal life, including relationships and career changes, mirror
the club’s fluctuating fortunes, demonstrating the deep emotional bond between
supporter and team. The narrative captures the intensity of rivalries, strangely
for the author with Luton Town, and reflects on football culture amid evolving
challenges such as stadium safety concerns following the Hillsborough disaster.

Revival Attempts and the 1990/91 Season
Under Bonds’ management, West Ham attempted a revival with a
more direct playing style and renewed passion. The 1990/91 season was marked by
high-scoring games and spirited performances, including a record 7-1 victory
over Hull City. The team achieved promotion but narrowly missed the
championship due to a last-minute goal by Oldham, an emotional blow for fans.
The season encapsulates the blend of brilliance and frustration characteristic
of the club’s nature.

Conclusion
This memoir richly portrays the intertwined life of a
devoted West Ham United supporter with the club’s turbulent journey over 20
years. Through detailed match recounts, personal anecdotes, and reflections on
football culture and societal issues, it captures the essence of passionate
fandom — the joy of victories, the pain of losses, and the enduring hope that
defines the relationship between a football club and its supporters