LEGENDARY long-serving goalkeeper Ernie Gregory died in hospital last night, aged 90.

Born at Stratford, London on November 10, 1921, he was the oldest surviving Hammer until he finally lost his long battle to recover from a major stroke he suffered two years ago.

Ernie played for West Ham Boys and was noticed by Charlie Paynter during an English Trophy Final against Preston North End at Upton Park. He joined West Ham United as a schoolboy in 1935 and made his first senior Hammers appearance for the midweek league team in 1938.

After serving with the Essex Regiment and the Royal Air Force during World War II, Gregory made his Football League debut on December 28, 1946, in a 4-1 home win against Plymouth Argyle.

Ernie played for West Ham for 14 years. He was an ever-present during the 1947-48, 1949-50 and 1952-53 seasons, and was also a regular member of the side that won promotion to Division One in 1957-58.

Gregory gained his only international cap in an England B match against France in 1952.

He amassed 382 league and 24 cup appearances for the club, which was a club record at the time.

He played his last of 406 first team games for West Ham on September 5, 1959, two months short of his 38th birthday, at home against Leeds United, and received a testimonial the following year when LD Alajuelense of Costa Rica visited Upton Park.

Upon retirement, he was awarded the Football League long service medal.

But Ernie continued to give great service to the club. Indeed, the in-depth interview he gave to EX back in 2003 had to be spread across two issues (Nos. 4 & 5). He went on to coach the old ‘A’ team, reserves and youth sides, and then the first team goalkeepers.
He finally left the club in May 1987 following a 51-year association with the Irons.

The stroke he suffered at his Goodmayes home in 2010 robbed him of his speech but this loyal Hammer has certainly given those who remember him plenty to talk about for many years to come.

RIP, Ern.