He was playing schoolboy football when he was spotted by West Ham scout Wally St Pier. In 1971, he signed with the English First Division club West Ham United when he was 17. His first start with the Hammers came on 30 October 1971, against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park following a late injury to Geoff Hurst.
He was playing junior football when he was identified by West Ham scout Wally St Pier. As a result, in 1971, he signed with the English First Division club West Ham United at the age of 17. His first game for the team occurred on October 30, 1971, against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park because Geoff Hurst was unable to play due to injury.