Billy - Accidental-on purpose West Ham mascot

Three years ago, I promised Billy that when he turned seven, (for his seventh birthday in fact), he could be a West Ham mascot. He's not stopped reminding me of that promise. But little did I know we'd be living in HK on his 7th.

He was seven this week.

West Ham (youth team) were/are in HK this week.

Fantastic how the stars align is not it?

Today, in sweltering 32+ degree, near to 100% humidity conditions, we watched the cream of Tony Carr's West Ham youff academy battle it out against a selection of Asian teams.

Part of the successful annual HKFC Philips Lighting International Soccer Sevens, today was the league part of the competition. West Ham won the first game 2-0, drew the second 0-0 and had to beat the 2006 champions (Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan), to get through to tomorrow's knock-out day.

Well, I'm pleased to say they won! 2-0 ... great game. Looks a good squad and I can see several Freddie Sears' waiting in the wings! Tony Carr does a great job - they were proud to wear the C&B .. you could see it in the team spirit and discipline.

So Billy watched the warm up ... got asked to come into the warm up enclosure ... then the (20ft!) goalie grabbed his hand and walked him on to the pitch as one of the mascots. Bill was made up and (poor thing) is now almost certainly a Hammer for life. And I'm the best dad ever for arranging the mascot thing! errrr....

I felt slightly uncomfortable when I saw him amongst all the other kitted-out folks ... I got his current kit for <£5 from a dodgy market stall in Melbourne (of all places -- Lucas Neill influence of course).

Well done to the WH supporters who turned out ... nearly filled up the HK equivalent of the Bobby Moore stand ... and we had a splendid rendition of 'Bubbles' much to the obvious bemusement of the locals!

M