Former Hammer Marlon Harewood has led the tributes to West Ham United's oldest supporter Mabel Arnold, who had died at the age of 102.
Mabel, who was born in the middle of the First World War passed away peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning, just two months shy of what would have been her 103rd birthday.Embed from Getty Images
And Harewood, who met the centenarian last year prior to a game at the Olympic Stadium sent his condolences to Mabel's family via twitter this morning.
"Very sad news to hear of Mabel’s passing this morning," wrote the 39-year-old former striker, who featured for West Ham for four years between 2003-07. "It was an honour to have met such a great woman. RIP."
Meanwhile tributes from fellow fans have began to flood in since the news was announced this morning. Posting on the KUMB Forum this morning, HammerMan2004 said: "What an innings. She seemed like a lovely, lovely lady.
"RIP Mabel. Keep cheering us on from above the clouds."
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Quite possibly the last-surviving West Ham supporter to have been alive when West Ham featured in the 1923 FA Cup Final some 96 years ago, Mabel became a minor celebrity at the club when she celebrated her 100th birthday in 2016.
She was also involved in the Iron Men documentary which featured several prominent supporters as West Ham prepared to leave its spiritual home in Upton Park for Stratford.
Mabel, who lost her husband Dick in 1981 is survived by son Graham, who is due to attend Saturday's encounter with Crystal Palace. The thoughts of everyone at KUMB are with Graham and his family.
* You may leave a message of condolence on the KUMB Forum, where a tribute thread has been started.
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