West Ham United legends have lined up to pay tribute to former teammate Francois van der Elst, who has passed away at the age of 62.
The Belgian forward made 70 appearances in Claret and Blue between January 1982 and May 1983, during which time the Hammers re-established themselves back in the top flight after winning the Second Division title in 1981.
Van der Elst was as popular in the dressing room as he was on the terraces, where his elusive play caught the imagination at a time when overseas stars were few and far between.
Right-back Ray Stewart told whufc.com: “It’s terribly sad news, and tragic for his family to have lost him at the age of just 62.
“Frankie was a great player and a great guy, too. I got really friendly with him as we lived near each other in Brentwood and used to travel in to training together.
“I used to drop him off at the airport if he was heading back to Belgium for whatever reason, and he’d let me use his car while he was away! We just clicked as pals, he was very easy to get along with and we spent a lot of time together.
“As a player, he was wonderful to play with, very intelligent, skilful and really fitted into the way that we played under John Lyall at West Ham then.
“I’d not spoken to him for a good few years but I still thought about him and all the good times we shared – I have so many great memories from that time.”
“It was always going to be tough for us, especially as it was on home soil for them, which made it an away game for us rather than being a neutral venue, but we started well and took the lead.
“Then Frank Lampard’s unfortunate backpass let them back in and they got stronger as the game went on. Francois and Robbie Rensenbrink were really the two key players in their team and showed the quality they had with the goals they scored.
“Their performances obviously stayed in the memory, and then of course John Lyall managed to bring him in the season after we won promotion, adding to what was already a very good side.
“Technically, he was very good, and his style of play suited the way that John, and Ron Greenwood before him, wanted to play.
“He was also a popular lad among the squad, well-liked by everyone, and obviously had an affinity with the supporters who saw him as the type of player suited to West Ham.
“It’s sad to hear of his loss, and obviously my condolences go to his family at this time.”
Tony Cottee, who made a memorable goalscoring debut playing alongside Van der Elst against Tottenham Hotspur in January 1983, recalled both happy and sad memories of the Belgian playmaker.
“Francois was a lovely guy,” said Cottee. “He was in the team when I made my debut against Spurs, so I’ve obviously got great memories of that, and he was great to play with – very creative and skilful.
“I also remember him breaking my heart in the 1976 Cup Winners’ Cup final, though, when he scored two great goals for Anderlecht. There were a few tears in my house that night!
“It was a bit surreal to be playing with him just over six years later. He wasn’t at West Ham for too long, but he made an impact and was a big favourite with the fans.
“You’d also have to say he was something of a pioneer, back in the days when it wasn’t too common for English clubs to sign foreign players.
“He was one of those who paved the way for the future foreign players to come in – a genuine top player who was a success here, and he won’t be forgotten.”