West Ham legend Alvin Martin thanks fans for help as son David becomes hero in Chelsea win

WEST HAM legend Alvin Martin has praised Hammers fans' support of his son at Stamford Bridge.
Alvin's son, David, made his Premier League debut in the superb 1-0 win over Chelsea.

The former Millwall and Milton Keynes Dons shot stopper picked up man of the match for his stellar performance in Manuel Pellegrini's side's famous victory.

And he could not contain his emotions after the match as he broke down in tears on the pitch before going up to the press box to hug his dad.

Chelsea had a total of 19 shots in the game compared to West Ham's five, but Martin and co resolutely kept Frank Lampard's Blues at bay.

Ending a self-imposed exile from Twitter, Alvin wrote: "Not been on Twitter for a couple of years!

"And don’t intend to return but I would like to thank the WHUFC family especially those at the bridge for the way you treated my boy yesterday but don’t forget how well OUR team played X."

David's dad Alvin spent nearly his entire career with the east London outfit from 1978 to 1996.

A no-nonsense central defender, he was signed by The Hammers as a young teenager and within four years made his first team debut.

In an illustrious career for the club, he played a total of 469 times, scoring 27 goals.

He was also a part of the 1980 FA Cup winning team who defeated Arsenal 1-0 in the final - the last time the club lifted the trophy.

David's contribution at The Bridge was a crucial one as it ends West Ham's streak of seven Premier League games without a win, a run which stretches back to mid-September.

After his excellent display, Martin could well find himself keeping his place for the trip to Wolves on Wednesday.

And if all goes well the ageing keeper may well get the opportunity to make his first home appearance against Arsenal next weekend.