Brooking’s signature at 15 was also pursued by Chelsea and Tottenham, with all three clubs offering him an apprenticeship. Only West Ham United would allow him to finish his studies at school though and despite Chelsea offering his parents a £500 signing fee and a car, Brooking opted to sign with the Hammers in July 1965.
The midfielder played for the Club for 18 seasons between 1966-1984, amassing an incredible 643 appearances across all competitions for the Irons. This number has been bettered by only three other players in the Club’s history. The one-and-only Bobby Moore played in just one more match for the Hammers with 644. Frank Lampard Sr featured in 670 matches for West Ham during his career but the record holder, with 799 showings, is Billy Bonds.
During his West Ham United career Sir Trevor netted 102 goals for the Hammers, a record that has only been bettered by seven other players in the Club’s history. Sir Trevor’s best campaign saw the No10 net 11 times in the 1972/73 season for the Hammers, but his consistency across his lengthy spell with the Irons meant he rightfully earned his stance as one of West Ham United’s top ever goal-scorers.
Sir Trevor helped the Hammers to win two FA Cups, in 1975 and 1980, and he was the goalscorer in the second of those victories as the Irons saw off Arsenal 1-0. The midfielder scored a rare header in the 13th minute to hand West Ham United the trophy and is still the last time a club from outside the top flight won the competition.
A very good player for his time and would be first on the sheet in todays game a great player and a great man long live the brooking