After his playing career was cut short due to injury aged 23, Lyall remained on the coaching staff at Upton Park and was then appointed team manager working under the late great Ron Greenwood in 1974.
He oversaw the FA Cup victory in 1975 and also the Cup Winners Cup final defeat the following year. When Ron Greenwood left the club to become England manager in 1977 Lyall took on the full managers job and despite being relegated to Division 2 he still managed to produce a team good enough to beat Arsenal in the FA Cup final of 1980.
Having spent 33 years, half of his whole lifetime with the club, Lyall will be sorely missed by everyone connected with West Ham.
Our condolences and thoughts go to John's family and friends.