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.
At the time, he was playing junior football when he caught the attention of West Ham scout Wally St Pier. Two years later, in 1971, he signed with the English First Division club West Ham United as a 17-year-old. His first game for the team took place on October 30, 1971, against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park due to Geoff Hurst's injury.