HAMMERS legend Alvin Martin has confirmed that he will host our third annual West Ham Retro Forum & Fair in Romford this Sunday (Nov 7).

The former West Ham and England centre-back, who played 586 first team games between 1977 and 1996, comes in to replace Ron Boyce and Jack Burkett, who have both been forced to withdraw at the last minute.

Boyce re-entered Norwich Hospital last night for a third operation to his hip, after an infection caused problems. He is expected to be detailed for three days before being allowed to return to his Fakenham home for further recuperation.

Burkett has suffered a recurrence of the back injury that actually stems from his playing days with West Ham in the 60s.

We wish both Ron and Jack a full and speedy recovery - and thank Alvin for kindly agreeing to step in at the eleventh hour.