On this day (April 27) in 2003, West Ham earned all three points against Manchester City with a 1-0 victory at Maine Road.
This was also the day that thirty-seven years after embarking on a playing career with the Irons, Sir Trevor Brooking took charge of the club for the first time as manager.
Experienced striker Frederic Kanoute scored the only goal of the game after 80 minutes in Manchester as the Hammers picked up what could have proved to be a crucial win.
Despite another single goal success against Chelsea at Upton Park in the next match – West Ham couldn’t save themselves from the indignity of relegation under Brooking when a final day 2-2 draw with Birmingham City sent the Hammers down.
As it transpired the strike against City was the Malian striker’s 33rd and last for West Ham as two appearances later, Kanoute left east London having made 91 outings in claret and blue.
As the Irons exited the top-flight, rivals Tottenham came calling, and £4.73m later, the target man was pulling on a Spurs shirt.
After Glen Roeder was appointed during pre-season, Brooking stepped in once again soon after the Championship season began, remaining in caretaker charge for 14 matches before Alan Pardew was brought in.
