West Ham’s 2012 play-off winning XI: Where are they now?

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West Ham United sealed promotion back to the Premier League in dramatic fashion in the 2012 play-off final.

Five years ago, West Ham were preparing for their return to the Premier League having won the Championship play-off final in dramatic circumstances against Blackpool a few weeks previously.

But what became of the side that took to the pitch at Wembley on that day? HITC Sport has taken a look…

GK: Rob Green

Rob Green played his final game for West Ham in the play-off final, subsequently spending four years with QPR before joining Leeds in 2016. He narrowly missed out on another play-off spot last season.

Leeds United’s Robert Green

RB: Guy Demel

Guy Demel would spend four seasons with West Ham, leaving in 2015 after making 76 league appearances for the Hammers. He joined Dundee United in 2015 before returning to France to play in the lower leagues.

CB: Winston Reid

Winston Reid is one of only two players who started the play-off final to still be with the Irons currently. He remains a key man for the side, establishing himself as a top centre-back.

West Ham United’s Winston Reid

CB: James Tomkins

James Tomkins left for Crystal Palace last summer after making over 200 appearances for the Hammers. Palace rallied late on in the season to avoid relegation.

LB: Matty Taylor

Matty Taylor remained at Upton Park until 2014, joining Burnley and staying at Turf Moor for a couple of seasons. He now plays for Northampton Town.

MD: Jack Collison

Jack Collison appeared to have the talent to become a key man for West Ham for years to come, but injuries sadly wrecked his career. The 28-year-old played an integral part in guiding the Hammers to play-off glory, but he was forced to retire at 27. He is now the manager of Peterborough’s under-18 side.

MD: Gary O’Neil

Gary O’Neil left for QPR in 2013. After a couple of years with Norwich, he joined Bristol City in 2016.

West Ham United’s Mark Noble

MD: Mark Noble

Mark Noble is Mr West Ham currently, captaining the side. Though his form dipped last season, there is no doubt that he is one of the most reliable players in the squad, and his effort certainly can never be questioned.

MD: Kevin Nolan

Kevin Nolan turned out to be a brilliant signing for the Hammers, inspiring their promotion push and proving to be a great player at the highest level. He left the club in 2015, spending some time at Leyton Orient before taking the manager’s job at Notts County.

Kevin Nolan

FW: Ricardo Vaz Te

Ricardo Vaz Te was never the most prolific forward but West Ham fans will not care as it was his goal that won the game at Wembley and booked their place in the top flight. A brief stay at Charlton came in between spells in Turkey following his Hammers departure in 2015.

FW: Carlton Cole

Carlton Cole also scored in the final. He would remain at West Ham until 2015 – though he would be released and then re-signed in 2013 – before joining Celtic. A difficult spell in Scotland did not last long, and he has since played in America and Indonesia.