Who’s that with West Ham Supporters Club man Joe Williams? It’s Scott Parker of course, receiving his Hammer of the Year award!

When Scott Parker received his third consecutive Hammer of the Year award on the pitch before the final match of the season last month, there was a face just as familiar presenting him with his award.

Anyone who has popped into the West Ham Supporters Club in recent times would undoubtedly have bumped into Joe Williams, and it was Joe who was given the honour of presenting the Supporters Club trophy to Parker at the Sunderland match.

“I have been a trustee at the Supporters Club for the past two and a half years, and we like different people to present the trophy each season,” said Joe, who is now 69.

“This time I was given the chance to do it and I wished Scott well when I saw him, because I don’t think he is going to be at the club next season.”

Williams is a well-known figure in the Newham area. He grew up close to the Upton Park ground, knew current chairman David Gold as well as his brother Ralph Gold very well, while he also has a reputation in sport in Newham.

“I boxed for East Ham boys club up until the age of 22 and I also managed the Fairbairn House Football team for many years,” said Joe, who now lives in Boundary Road, still a mere goalkick away from West Ham’s ground.

“When I was at Fairbairn, our trainer was Jimmy Frith, who went on to West Ham of course and I had a good chat with him when I was down there to present the trophy at the Sunderland match,” he said.

There is likely to be a new name on the Supporters Club Hammer of the Year trophy next season, but with stalwarts like Joe Williams around, there will always be a West Ham and there will always be a supporters club.