Pop legend Chesney Hawkes headlining West Ham fanzone in Prague on 'massive day'
Pop legend, and huge West Ham, fan Chesney Hawkes is preparing some 'proper bangers' as he headlines the fanzone in Prague on Wednesday night.
The singer, who shot to fame with chart-topping 'The One and Only' in 1991, is performing alongside his son ahead of the final of the Europa Conference League.
Thousands of football fans have travelled to Prague for the final between the Hammers and Fiorentina.
The final is West Ham’s first in Europe since 1976, and they are bidding to win their first trophy since the FA Cup 43 years ago.
Speaking to ITV News London said it was a "massive day", adding: "It's huge, huge for all of us West Ham fans but in particular for me and my brother and my son who is performing with me tonight. We’re all massive West Ham fans.
"Last time we were in a European final was in 1976 when I was age five. So it means a lot to us.
"We’ve just found out that we got tickets and will be going to the game - so very excited. I feel like the ‘hype-man’ headlining the Fanzone I feel some pressure!
"I’ll have to bring out some West Ham favourites and some proper bangers."
Another lifelong West Ham United fan described how he might miss his flight home if the club wins the Europa Conference League.
Greg Robson, 59, from Manor Park, east London, said he has been a season ticket holder for 43 years.
“First game was 1969, with my dad, sadly no longer with us,” he said. “And I’ve had a season ticket since the age of 16.
“This is about my 43rd year now going home and away, following them abroad. I just love West Ham United.”
He said it felt “unbelievable” to be in a European final.
“I was just one when we first won it, 11 in ’76,” he said. “So really, for me, this is the first time to actually go to one.”
He said he booked his flight to Prague before West Ham had even made the knockout stages.
“We actually booked the flights when we were in the group stages,” he said. “So it’s a gamble that paid off.”
He added that he will “party all night” if the Hammers win.
“Just party, party all night,” he said. “I’ve got an early flight in the morning, but I might be missing that.”
Andrew Hall, 54, from Surrey, said: “If we’re celebrating I could be here for another week.”
He added that he had spent “probably £1,000” on his trip to Prague, adding: “But it’s worth every penny.”
Steve Wick, 60, from Hertfordshire, said he had travelled for hours to make it to the Czech capital.
“We drove 13 hours,” he said.
“We got the shuttle over from Folkestone and then drove through. So 13 hours door to door.”
He said it had been “years and years” since the team had had any major success.
“If we win this tonight it will be mega for the fans,” he added.
“It has been years and years since we’ve had any glory. And I think this is going to be it.”
Dan Lee from Romford said he had spent more than £1,000 on his trip to the final.
“All in, over £1,000, but it’s what you do for West Ham,” he said.
He added that being in a European final meant “everything” to him.
“Never did you think that little old West Ham would get this far,” he said.
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