West Ham United mourns Steve Bacon: 1952-2024

West Ham United is deeply saddened by the passing of Steve Bacon, the Club’s beloved long-time photographer.

Born in east London in 1952, Bacon was the son of a Billingsgate Market fish porter. Growing up as a West Ham fan, he dreamed of becoming a professional sports photographer.

He began by taking photos at West Ham Speedway in his teens. After working for the General Post Office, he landed a junior photographer role with Fuller & Watts.

Later, he worked as a mechanic at West Ham Speedway and took photos for local newspapers like the East London Advertiser and Stratford Express. His big break came when he met photographer Arthur Edwards, who offered him local agency work.

In 1976, he was offered the chance to cover West Ham United for the Recorder. He initially declined but later accepted, a decision that would change his life.

Bacon regularly visited Chadwell Heath with Recorder sports editor Trevor Smith. By 1980, Lyall invited him to travel with the team, and Bacon formed close bonds with West Ham’s legendary players.

Over three decades, he served as the Club’s official photographer, capturing West Ham’s memorable moments from the 1970s through the 2000s.

Known for his distinctive presence, Bacon documented historic moments with the Irons. This includes the Boys of ’86 and West Ham’s journey through the 1990s and 2000s.

Bacon’s popularity with fans led to a terrace chant and even a burger named in his honor at the West Ham Forever Burger Bar. In his 2012 autobiography, he described himself as never having scored a goal or lifted a trophy, yet he became a true Hammers legend. Fans have long celebrated him with the chant, “There’s Only One Stevie Bacon.”

West Ham United extends their heartfelt condolences to Bacon’s family and friends during this difficult time.