Former West Ham midfielder John Moncur has spoken on his time with the club and shared the moment he knew he wanted to sign.

Fan favourite Moncur, who played for our Hammers during a 9 year period, having signed for the club in 1994 – was speaking exclusively at The West Ham Way Pre-Match Event to give some incredible insight to his life in football.

The former Irons midfielder was set for a big move to Chelsea when he was to depart Swindon Town in 1994, however after a  meeting with Billy Bonds, he knew then there was only one place he wanted to go and play his football.

“At the time I was set to join Chelsea, it seemed the right move and that was what I intended on doing.

“Then I had a call saying West Ham were interested, so before I made my final decision I decided to go and have a chat. It’s then that I met Billy Bonds.

“Bonds was a legend, a hero of mine really. Incredible man who was so fit! In fact he was fitter than all the players when we came back for pre-season!

“He sold me the club, and I knew it was where I was meant to be. I felt like I was coming home. All my family are from the east end, even my mum was in Harry Redknapps class.

“I just knew and I couldn’t wait to get started. Looking back it was the best decision I ever made. Playing for the club I love, and still do to this day.”

Moncur though started his career at bitter rivals Spurs, and things were going well for him there – before the arrival of a certain Paul Gascoigne, aka Gazza.

The signing of Gazza spelt the end for Moncurs time in north London, who accepted that he would struggle to get in ahead of the England midfielder and therefore made the decision to move on to Swindon.

Moncur though held no grudges with Gazza, and in fact disclosed that they remained friends. In fact, Moncur shared a story of Gazza showing up at his house one time unexpectedly.

“Gazza wanted to go on a session, and that meant a proper session. So he said ‘come on John, are you coming?’ But I told him it was my mother in laws birthday that day and couldn’t make it.

“So there I was, in the kitchen making dinner, mother in law was round for her birthday with the family. Then all of a sudden there was this huge scream.

“I ran into the living room, wondering what on Earth had happened, looked up and saw a white a*se pressed up against the lounge window – of course it was Gazza!

“He came in and said ‘Come on John, we’re going out and you’re coming!’ So what could I do?

“I explained to the family, put my shoes on and went on the p*ss with Gazza and the lads.”

The West Ham Way are excited to announce that our Pre-Match Event interviews will soon be available to view. All details of this will be announced soon.