West Ham legend Sir Trevor Brooking delighted fans young and old at an intimate book-signing on Sunday.
Queues extended round the block to see the Hammers hero, who celebrated his 66th birthday last Thursday, as he signed 250 copies of his autobiography, My Life in Football, at Newham Bookshop.
Brooking, who scored the only goal in the 1980 FA Cup final victory over Arsenal on his way to making 647 appearances in claret and blue, chatted with fans before nipping round the corner to watch the 2-0 victory over QPR.
Such was the demand to see the former England midfield, he ended up returning to the Barking Road shop after the match, to write more personal messages on books, shirts, programmes and a host of other West Ham memorabilia.
“It was an amazing day and really nice of him to come back for more” said bookshop owner Vivian Archer, also 66.
“People came from far and wide to see him because he’s their hero.
“It was fantastic to host, and really lovely to see people’s faces meeting him - everyone thanked us for putting it on.”
The former FA director of football, who has a stand named after him at the Boleyn Ground, is expected to make an appearance at the club’s superstore later this month, as part of a book-signing tour.
At the time of going to press there were 15 signed copies of the book left for purchase.
To reserve a copy call 020 8552 9993 or drop into Newham Bookshop.
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