The then-West Ham manager encountered Lazaridis playing for NSL club West Adelaide during a pre-season tour of Australia in May, 1995.

Legend has it the Hammers called up a backpacker they’d spotted playing on a beach after their squad fell short of numbers before one game against the Olyroos in Brisbane. But it was Lazaridis who really caught the eye during the tour.

As the Aussie winger recalled, getting signed  was the last thing he expected after playing against the tourists at Hindmarsh stadium.

“I didn’t think I’d ever get to England but I’d played well in that game and Harry came up to me after the game and said [in his cockney accent], ‘Oy, fancy coming to London, then?’ he told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“I didn’t think they’d sign me but Harry said come over for a week and try it. If you don’t like it, go home. So I had nothing to lose.

“So I went on their pre-season tour. I started playing and did very well and scoring goals and Harry’s like, ‘Who’s this kid?’ Then David Pleat from Sheffield Wednesday got involved saying he wanted to sign me.”

But as “Stan the Man” recalled, Redknapp had an unusual bargaining technique.

“Harry locked me up with [former keeper] Les Sealey and a minder in front of the door and said ‘right, you’re not going anywhere till you sign a contract!’ So I signed.

"And Harry was great for me and five years later he sold me to Birmingham."

After 73 NSL games Lazarids signed for the Hammers for a West Adelaide record fee of $700,000. He played at Upton Park for four years until his move to City.

“I loved the clubs I played and I loved playing for my country," the one-time Perth Glory player added.

"I always played for the Socceroos like it was my last game. I played with no fear. I didn’t care who I took on, I took ‘em on.”

It was this 100% effort and commitment that endeared him to so many fans. When you speak with Socceroo fans his name comes up regularly as one of the top ten favourites.

Just recalling those good times with the national team brings a tear to Lazaridis, who lives in Perth these days.

The 38-year-old left-winger was inducted into the Hall of Fame last week  along with former teammate Ned Zelic and classy Matilda Joanne Peters.

Later, it was an emotional Lazaridis who spoke about his love for the game in this country, how much he missed football and his desire to become as mentor to the next generation of Aussie heroes.

“To be recognised after so many years. To not be forgotten, to be remembered, it means everything to me,” he said.

“As a kid coming out of Perth who had a dream to play for his country and try play overseas... I will cherish for the rest of my life.

“I remain a big, big supporter of the game and all of the younger players coming through to help them try achieve what they want to be successful.

“Ultimately they’ll be at the forefront of our game. I’ve said I’m a phone call away. All we want is to help the game grow.

Socceroo hero Lazaridis added: “If I can help in any way, I’m not far away.”