Hammers help plug Beavers budget black hole
11:36am Friday 18th July 2008
Hampton & Richmond Borough director Steve McPherson has revealed the club is set to make £30,000 from Thursday's clash with Premier League millionaires West Ham United.
A record crowd of 3,118 packed the Beveree as Francis Quarm's stunning 36th minute volley raised hopes of an upset against a full-strength Hammers side.
A brace from Welsh international Craig Bellamy and further goals from Mark Noble and Zavron Hines sparred the visitors' blushes as they ran out 4-2 winners after Lawrence Yaku had netted to make it 3-2.
The Beavers have handed free shirt sponsorship to locally-based charity African Revival this season with some of the proceeds of last night's money-spinning clash going to them.
And McPherson admitted the cash generated by the visit of more than £40million worth of footballing talent - arranged through boss Alan Devonshire's close links to the Upton Park club - helps plug the gap in the budget.
"There has been a huge amount of work behind the scenes to get this game on," he said.
"Alan was really nervous about it because of his frienship with Alan Curbishley he wanted everything just right and I think everyone has done the club proud.
"West Ham were a pleasure to have at the ground. To see professionals like them play on the pitch and chatting with our players was a real thrill for everyone.
"With all the added sponsorship for this game and the crowd, we have probably made around £30,000 and - apart from a percentage for charity - it will go back into the club.
"Games like this mean people are starting to take notice of us and can only help with our profile."