'Ernie Gregory' (born
November 10 1921 in
Stratford, London) is an
English former
footballer, who played as a
goalkeeper for
West Ham United.
Gregory played for West Ham Boys, and was noticed by
Charlie Paynter during an English Trophy Final against
Preston North End at
Upton Park. He joined the groundstaff at West Ham United in 1936. He won an
Isthmian League Championship medal with
Leytonstone as an amateur, and made his first senior Hammers appearance for the midweek league team in 1938.
After serving with the
Essex Regiment and the
Royal Air Force during
World War II, Gregory made his
Football League debut in December 1946, in a home game against
Plymouth Argyle.
Gregory played for West Ham for 14 years. He was an ever-present during the
1947-48,
1949-50 and
1952-53 seasons, and was also a regular member of the side that won promotion to
Division One in
1957-58.
Gregory gained his only international
cap in an England B match against France in 1952.
He played his last game for West Ham in September 1959, a home game against
Leeds United, and received a testimonial the following year, against
LD Alajuelense of
Costa Rica. He totalled 382 league and 24 cup appearances for the club. Upon retirement, he was awarded the Football League long service medal.
Gregory stayed at West Ham after ending his playing career, and went on to coach the reserves, and then the first team, and helped with team administration. He finally left the club in May 1987, after a 51 year association with the Irons.
Reference
★
Who's Who of West Ham United, , Tony, Hogg, Profile Sports Media, 2005, ISBN 1 903135 50 8
External link
★
Ernie Gregory at westhamstats.info