Tony Gale made his debut for Fulham aged 16 and went on to play more than 700 games between the Cottagers and West Ham before crowning his playing career with a league title in Blackburn’s fairytale 1994-95 season
When Billy Bonds took over from Lou Macari at West Ham in 1990, I couldn’t have been happier.
For a season-and-a-half, I loved my football under Bill. But when Harry Redknapp came in, that all changed. Harry came in as Bill’s No.2 at the start of the 1992/93 season and from the moment he arrived, I never got on with him.
I had signed a contract which intentionally took me right through to the end of my testimonial season. But certain individuals didn’t want me in the side without a doubt and, let’s just say, I don’t think it was Billy.
We were playing Luton in an FA Cup replay and I travelled with the team to Kenilworth Road, but didn’t even make the bench. Then someone fell sick and so I had to be a substitute. I remember rolling my eyes, thinking âIs this what I get after 10 years at West Ham?’.