West Ham United’s Alvin and David Martin head to Hornchurch

Hornchurch FC are hosting the West Ham United father-and-son duo of Alvin and David Martin in a special ‘Evening With’ event on Thursday (May 25).

The Isthmian League club have held several successful evenings in recent years and the latest should prove a treat for Hammers fans.

Alvin Martin, now 64, made 598 appearances for the club over a 21-year career, winning the FA Cup in 1980, and picked up 17 England caps, appearing at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

Son David, 37, had played over 400 appearances before landing a dream move to West Ham in 2019 and keeping a clean sheet on his debut in a 1-0 win at Chelsea.

And he is now following in his father’s footsteps on the entertainment circuit – and has some stories to tell!

“I’ve been speaking for a few years and I’ve encouraged David to do it as well,” said Alvin.

“I don’t think there’s anyone out there at this moment in time telling modern-day stories.

“He had three years there and was a big personality in the dressing room. He got on with the lads and some of the stories he’s got are really good.

“It’s a good insight into the present day squad. Some of it will be funny and some of it will be inspirational and motivational.

“I’ll do my funny stuff and he will come out with one or two as well I’m sure, as well as the insight into it.”

The younger Martin signed a two-year contract with West Ham to provide cover, but was thrown into the firing line due to injury to Lukasz Fabianski and loss of form by Roberto.

And he later described the win at Chelsea, courtesy of Aaron Cresswell’s goal, as the ‘best day of his life’ with Alvin echoing those sentiments.

“When he first went, we didn’t think he’d play many but were so proud he got the chance,” he added.

“He was always a fan, coming to the training ground and was so excited. He’d come in with a smile on his face and was so happy to be there.

“The memories he’s got will live with the family forever. Some of the highs I had during my 22 years there, you get highs and lows, it’s part of the deal, but that night at Stamford Bridge surpassed anything I’d achieved because it was so important to David.”

As well as regaling Hammers fans with behind-the-scenes tales, the elder Martin says they might be able to assist other families involved in football and they plan to host a few more evenings around Essex.

“There’s probably certain people we can help in terms of giving advice to parents who have got kids playing,” he said.

“We can give some tips, helping them to get on track to being professionals.”

Tickets, priced £20, are on sale via the Hornchurch FC online box office at https://hornchurchfc.ktckts.com/brand/club-events or by calling 07960 960779.