Playing for non-league Southall, Alan Devonshire was brought to the attention of West Ham manager, Ron Greenwood, and was signed in 1976 for just £5,000. This has led to his reputation as West Ham's "best ever buy". In a partnership with Trevor Brooking that helped secure West Ham's promotion in 1981, he established himself as an all time great and into the hearts of every Hammers fan.
