by Paul Donovan

WEST HAM UNITED stand on the brink of their first European final for 46 years. The mountain is looking that bit harder to climb now, after losing the home leg 1-2, meaning they will have to come from behind if they are to emulate the boys of ’76.

Those of us old enough to remember will already be aware of the parallels. Back in 1976, West Ham also drew Eintracht Frankfurt in the semi-final of the then European Cup Winners Cup — it was one of the great cup nights at the old Boleyn ground. 

The Hammers were 2-1 down from the first leg, ran out 3-1 winners on the night, so going through 4-3 on aggregate. The victory was inspired by a brilliant performance from Trevor Brooking, who scored two of the goals on the night.