Former West Ham manager and midfielder Alan Curbishley has recalled his unforgettable 1975 debut when he was lifted home alongside an England legend
Ben Crawford GAU Writer
08:00, 11 Dec 2025
Alan Curbishley speaks on In The Mixer
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Alan Curbishley played for West Ham before managing them(Image: In The Mixer)
Alan Curbishley was dropped home with Bobby Moore and handed a case of lager as a reward after his West Ham debut. The former head coach was renowned for his time with Charlton Athletic and as Hammers boss.
Before he became a well-known figure in the dugout Curbishley had a playing career that spanned clubs such as Birmingham City, Aston Villa and Brighton. He played in a midfield role and transitioned into coaching after his retirement in 1993.
However, it was at Upton Park where he got his big break, making his first appearance for West Ham as a teenager in 1975. Now 68, Curbishley fondly remembers his unexpected debut, including a ride home with England legend Moore and a generous gesture from Frank Lampard's father.
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"When I played my first game for West Ham, I went there on the tube," Curbishley said, speaking on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet.
"I walked down to the ground. I didn't know I was playing. I was just pulled out of the youth team and turned up to watch the first team. So I turned up and then ended up starting.
West Ham United line up for pre-season team photograph featuring Alan Curbishley
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Curbishley debuted alongside some West Ham icons(Image: Daily Mirror)
"After the game, I was wondering, 'How am I gonna get home? I've got to get on the tube again or the bus.' But Frank Lampard Senior offered to take me home.
"He said, 'Wait for me in the players' bar and I'll drive you home afterwards.' I didn't even know where the players' bar was," Curbishley added.
"So I've gone into the players' bar, and suddenly Bobby Moore was standing there. He was going out for a drink with Frank afterwards. He came to watch the game.
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"They took me home and Frank drove me to my house in Canning Town. I've got Bobby Moore in the front and I'm sitting in the back. I was seventeen and I'd just played my first game!
"Frank said to me, 'What are you gonna do tonight?' I went, 'Match of the Day.' Because I knew I would be on Match of the Day.
"He said, 'Hold on.' He went to his boot and he got out a case of Skol lager and he gave me it.
"He said, 'Have a drink tonight, because you've done well today.' I went, 'Alright, great.' So he handed me this case of Skol and that was my West Ham debut."
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