Ernie Gregory

Ernie Gregory (10 November 1921 – 21 January 2012) was an English footballer, who played as a goalkeeper for West Ham United.

Career Born in Stratford, London, 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. In a tribute former West Ham goalkeeper Phil Parkes said, "He was a legend, pure and simple. I don't think we will ever see his like again. He was a one-club man, a player, a coach, a manager and he has to be the greatest servant that West Ham ever had."