West Ham Thread

[keddy]

West Ham v Chelsea

Upton Park

Wednesday, 18 April

Kick-off: 2000 BST

Coverage on the BBC Sport website & BBC Radio Five Live

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has no fresh injury concerns and is set to name an unchanged squad.

Calum Davenport has not been considered after his foot injury and Matthew Upson and Danny Gabbidon are still out.

Chelsea expect strikers Didier Drogba and Andriy Shevchenko to be fit after suffering knocks in the FA Cup semi-final win over Blackbur

Winger Arjen Robben remains sidelined with a knee injury but he is expected back to full fitness in around 10 days.

West Ham (from): Green, Neill, Collins, Ferdinand, McCartney, Bowyer, Reo-Coker, Noble, Etherington, Harewood, Tevez, Carroll, Walker, Benayoun, Konchesky, Dailly, Cole, Spector, Mullins, Zamora, Boa Morte, Sheringham.

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Geremi, Diarra, Carvalho, Terry, A Cole, Boulahrouz, J Cole, Lampard, Ballack, Essien, Makelele, Kalou, Obi, Shevchenko, Drogba, Wright-Phillips.

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley on his side's relegation battle:

"When we play the teams in a similar position to ourselves we haven't done enough against them.

"But I hope my players do not think it is all over. If we keep belief in ourselves, it is not."

Chelsea captain John Terry on the title race:

"In the last couple of years we have run away with it a little bit but United have shown great desire to come back and push us.

"We are pushing them right to the wire. We know we are within touching distance of them. One result and it swings back in our favour.

"But the respect is there for them and I think it's a mutual respect."

BIG-MATCH FACTS

WEST HAM UNITED continue the battle for top flight survival with this east versus west London derby against Jose Mourinho's Chelsea, who are still vying for quadruple honours. On the surface this would seem to be a mismatch between the clubs with the weakest and tightest defences in the highest League, between the sides who've recorded the most and the least Premiership defeats so far this season.

The Eastenders were on their best winning run of the season of three matches, when fellow relegation threatened Sheffield United inflicted a 3-0 defeat on them at Bramall Lane on Saturday. Three of their five remaining matches are at home, including this one. But they still have to visit Manchester United on the last day of the season, therefore to secure a third successive campaign at this level remains a very tough ask.

The Hammers are looking to beat Chelsea for the first time since notching a 1-0 victory in this equivalent fixture on 3 May 2003, thanks to the winner from substitute Paolo Di Canio.

CHELSEA return to League business after securing a Champions League semi-final with Liverpool and a date with Manchester United at the new Wembley for the FA Cup final. They visit West Ham bidding for a ninth successive Premiership victory to keep the pressure on the Red Devils at the top.

The defending champions are on the longest winning sequence by any club in the Premierrship this season, and have not dropped a point nor conceded a goal since Liverpool beat them 2-0 at Anfield on 20 January. It is their only reverse in 21 League outings, and in 34 games in all competitions.

A rare goal from Geremi, his first in 13 months, was sufficient for all three points for the Blues from the meeting with West Ham in November at the Bridge. It was their fourth straight victory over the Hammers in League and Cup. Now they're looking to 'double' the Hammers for the second successive season, and third time in the Premiership. If achieved it would be their eighth 'double' of the campaign having already beaten Wigan, Blackburn, Charlton, Portsmouth, Manchester City, Sheffield United and Watford home and away this season, while the Hammers have been 'doubled' five times (Portsmouth, Manchester City, Reading, Liverpool and Tottenham).

REFEREE

Mike Riley (Leeds, Yorkshire)

SEQUENCES/RECENT FORM

WEST HAM UNITED

Going into the midweek games: 19th 29 points

(all statistics are ahead of the midweek fixtures)

1. Lost more Premiership matches than any other club this season (20).

2. Scored 26 top flight goals - only Watford have netted fewer (24).

3. Kept just six clean sheets in this division. Only Tottenham have managed fewer shut-outs (five).

4. Conceded the opening goal in 69% of their League matches (23 of 33).

5. Failed to score in 17 Premiership matches. Only Manchester City and Watford have also fired that many blanks.

6. Lost more home games than any other club in the top table, with the exception of Wigan - both have lost eight.

7. The four-game run-in after this involves matches against Everton (h), Wigan (a), Bolton (h) and Manchester United (a).

CHELSEA

Going into the midweek games: 2nd 75 points

(all statistics are ahead of the midweek fixtures)

1. Won 16 and drawn three of the last 19 in all competitions, since losing 2-0 at Liverpool on 20 January.

2. Won 15 more Premiership games than West Ham (23 to eight).

3. Won the last eight Premiership matches with clean sheets in all eight and in 10 of the last 11.

4. Not conceded in 792 minutes (13 hours 12 minutes) of Premiership football, since Jermaine Pennant scored Liverpool's second at Anfield on 20 January.

5. Had 81 points after 32 games in 2004-05 and 79 points to the same stage last season, but only 75 this time around.

6. Won 23 times in the top division so far this season - only Manchester United have gained more victories (25).

7. Opened the scoring in more Premiership matches than any other club (26), and failed to score in two, and only Manchester United can match the latter of those two statistics.

8. Kept 20 clean sheets in the Premiership (won 19, drawn one), and conceded the opening goal in only five top flight games - better than any other club on both counts.

9. Lost only one of the last 10 League games on the road (to Liverpool), and won the last four (against Charlton, Portsmouth, Manchester City and Watford), without conceding. Kept more Premiership clean sheets away from home than any other club (10).

10. Visit Newcastle on Sunday, before next Wednesday's home leg of the Champions League semi-final against Liverpool. The remaining League fixtures after that are against Bolton (h), Arsenal (a), Manchester United (h) and Everton (h).

KEY PLAYER NOTES/POTENTIAL MILESTONES

WEST HAM UNITED

Bobby ZAMORA is West Ham's leading scorer with 10 goals - all in the Premiership.

Marlon HAREWOOD is a double shy of 100 career League goals (Nottingham Forest, Ipswich and West Ham).

If on the field at kick off, HAREWOOD will be making his 150th start in a West Ham shirt.

Dean ASHTON needs a double to bring his career total of club goals to 100.

If selected in the 11, Matthew ETHERINGTON will be making his 150th start in a West Ham shirt.

If involved, Hayden MULLINS will be making his 150th West Ham appearance.

If on the field from the outset, George McCARTNEY will be making his 150th club career start (Sunderland and West Ham).

If he lines up for the kick-off, Daniel GABBIDON will be making his 50th Premiership start for West Ham.

When next he lines-up for the opening whistle, Teddy SHERINGHAM will be making his 50th start in a West Ham shirt.

If he participates, Matthew UPSON will be playing on his 28th birthday.

Carlton COLE began his professional career with Chelsea, making 31 appearances (25 in the Premiership) and scoring eight goals (four League) for them before his move to Upton Park in July 2006.

CHELSEA

Didier DROGBA is the highest scoring Premiership player this season with 30 goals, 18 of which are League goals. The Ivory Coast International leads Manchester United's Cristiano RONALDO by two at the top of the table for the Barclays Golden Boot award.

Frank LAMPARD is the only remaining player to have started every one of Chelsea's Premiership matches this season.

LAMPARD began his professional career with West Ham, making 187 appearances (148 in the League) and scoring 38 goals (23 League) in six seasons with them, before his £11m move to Stamford Bridge in June 2001.

If he plays, Salomon KALOU will be making his 50th appearance in a Chelsea shirt.

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME

West Ham United 1-3 Chelsea

2 January 2006 - Ref: Howard Webb

West Ham scorer: Harewood 46

Chelsea scorers: Lampard 25, Crespo 61, Drogba 80

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE

Chelsea 1-0 West Ham United

18 November 2006 - Ref: Mike Dean

Chelsea scorer: Geremi 22

HEAD TO HEAD TOTALS

Home and away

League: West Ham 34 wins, Chelsea 28, Draws 15

Prem: West Ham 9 wins, Chelsea 11, Draws 3

at West Ham only

League: West Ham 22 wins, Chelsea 9, Draws 7

Prem: West Ham 5 wins, Chelsea 4, Draws 2

Thanks for putting this up and may the worst team win! seriously though we're starting to look a better side than a month ago, last saturdays game excepted, and hopefully we'll give a good account of ourselves tonight. Been to a few WHU Chelsea games 'back in the day' seen some great games: 4-0 1981 when Trevor Brooking scored twice; one a fantastic curler when your goalie just stood there and applauded! The other one that comes to mind is that 2-1 defeat when Tony Cottee scored first; though you came back and got 2 to deprive us of the title in '86. .The other thing about these matches was the east/west London contrast and the rivalry that went with it. It's a little bit tame nowadays but a lot of West Ham supporters would put this as their top 'classico' though the Totts and Millwall would be others' choices. Anyway Come on you IRONS!!!

[Seapok]

Thanks for putting this up and may the worst team win! seriously though we're starting to look a better side than a month ago, last saturdays game excepted, and hopefully we'll give a good account of ourselves tonight. Been to a few WHU Chelsea games 'back in the day' seen some great games: 4-0 1981 when Trevor Brooking scored twice; one a fantastic curler when your goalie just stood there and applauded! The other one that comes to mind is that 2-1 defeat when Tony Cottee scored first; though you came back and got 2 to deprive us of the title in '86. .The other thing about these matches was the east/west London contrast and the rivalry that went with it. It's a little bit tame nowadays but a lot of West Ham supporters would put this as their top 'classico' though the Totts and Millwall would be others' choices. Anyway Come on you IRONS!!!

That was back in the day!! haha I fancy a 0-2 win tonight, goals scored by Lampard and Cole would be great. That would really put you in trouble then you would have to fight for every available point going....including your last game of the season against the Manc's!!

Edited April 18, 2007 by Seapok

[Seapok]

West Ham 1-4 Chelsea

Chelsea reduced Manchester United's lead at the Premiership summit to three points with an easy win that left West Ham staring relegation in the face.

Shaun Wright-Phillips' solo effort put Chelsea ahead after 30 minutes, but a rare Petr Cech slip allowed Carlos Tevez to level five minutes later.

Wright-Phillips volleyed in to restore Chelsea's lead within seconds.

Salomon Kalou bundled in the third after 53 minutes and Didier Drogba raced clear to wrap up the victory.

It means United's lead is still only three points as Jose Mourinho's side simply refuse to give up on their dogged pursuit of a third successive title.

Chelsea boss Mourinho made five changes from the side that reached the FA Cup final by beating Blackburn - but once again they demonstrated their enormous reserves of character.

The opening 30 minutes were evenly contested, and it took a moment of individual brilliance from Wright-Phillips to break the deadlock.

He had the strength to hold off Yossi Benayoun and the guile to deceive Jonathan Spector before driving a perfect finish across Robert Green.

But West Ham responded with vigour and equalised inside five minutes - courtesy of a rare lapse by Cech.

Tevez's angled shot from 20 yards carried power, but was at a comfortable height for Cech, only for the normally immaculate keeper to allow the ball through his grasp.

West Ham's delight lasted only a matter of seconds before another stunning finish from Wright-Phillips restored Chelsea's lead.

Bridge was the creator with a cross from the left, but it was met with an instinctive right-foot strike at the near post from Wright-Phillips that flashed high past Green.

West Ham had a chance to draw level in the opening moments of the second half, but once Bobby Zamora tamely turned George McCartney's cross into Cech's arms, the destiny of the points was decided.

Chelsea made it three after 52 minutes, when Frank Lampard's free-kick found Drogba, and even though Green blocked his effort on the line, Kalou was on hand to turn in.

Drogba shot inches wide before he made it four after 62 minutes, shaking off Lucas Neill's attentions to beat Green with ease.

West Ham: Green, Spector, Collins, Neill, McCartney, Benayoun, Reo-Coker (Mullins 76), Noble, Boa Morte, Tevez (Blanco 83), Zamora (Cole 72).

Subs Not Used: Carroll, Davenport.

Booked: Reo-Coker, Neill, Mullins, McCartney, Boa Morte.

Goals: Tevez 35.

Chelsea: Cech, Diarra (Ferreira 46), Carvalho, Terry, Bridge, Essien, Mikel, Lampard (Ballack 78), Wright-Phillips, Drogba (Joe Cole 67), Kalou.

Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Makelele.

Booked: Diarra, Drogba.

Goals: Wright-Phillips 31, 36, Kalou 52, Drogba 62.

Att: 34,966

Ref: M Dean (Wirral).

[keddy]

West Ham 1-4 Chelsea

Chelsea reduced Manchester United's lead at the Premiership summit to three points with an easy win that left West Ham staring relegation in the face.

Shaun Wright-Phillips' solo effort put Chelsea ahead after 30 minutes, but a rare Petr Cech slip allowed Carlos Tevez to level five minutes later.

Wright-Phillips volleyed in to restore Chelsea's lead within seconds.

Salomon Kalou bundled in the third after 53 minutes and Didier Drogba raced clear to wrap up the victory.

It means United's lead is still only three points as Jose Mourinho's side simply refuse to give up on their dogged pursuit of a third successive title.

Chelsea boss Mourinho made five changes from the side that reached the FA Cup final by beating Blackburn - but once again they demonstrated their enormous reserves of character.

The opening 30 minutes were evenly contested, and it took a moment of individual brilliance from Wright-Phillips to break the deadlock.

He had the strength to hold off Yossi Benayoun and the guile to deceive Jonathan Spector before driving a perfect finish across Robert Green.

But West Ham responded with vigour and equalised inside five minutes - courtesy of a rare lapse by Cech.

Tevez's angled shot from 20 yards carried power, but was at a comfortable height for Cech, only for the normally immaculate keeper to allow the ball through his grasp.

West Ham's delight lasted only a matter of seconds before another stunning finish from Wright-Phillips restored Chelsea's lead.

Bridge was the creator with a cross from the left, but it was met with an instinctive right-foot strike at the near post from Wright-Phillips that flashed high past Green.

West Ham had a chance to draw level in the opening moments of the second half, but once Bobby Zamora tamely turned George McCartney's cross into Cech's arms, the destiny of the points was decided.

Chelsea made it three after 52 minutes, when Frank Lampard's free-kick found Drogba, and even though Green blocked his effort on the line, Kalou was on hand to turn in.

Drogba shot inches wide before he made it four after 62 minutes, shaking off Lucas Neill's attentions to beat Green with ease.

West Ham: Green, Spector, Collins, Neill, McCartney, Benayoun, Reo-Coker (Mullins 76), Noble, Boa Morte, Tevez (Blanco 83), Zamora (Cole 72).

Subs Not Used: Carroll, Davenport.

Booked: Reo-Coker, Neill, Mullins, McCartney, Boa Morte.

Goals: Tevez 35.

Chelsea: Cech, Diarra (Ferreira 46), Carvalho, Terry, Bridge, Essien, Mikel, Lampard (Ballack 78), Wright-Phillips, Drogba (Joe Cole 67), Kalou.

Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Makelele.

Booked: Diarra, Drogba.

Goals: Wright-Phillips 31, 36, Kalou 52, Drogba 62.

Att: 34,966

Ref: M Dean (Wirral).

This BBC report is a lazy piece of journalism as it wasn't an easy win despite the scoreline. West Ham had a 3 times the number of shots on target in the first half and while it can be described as 'evenly contested', WHU created most of the pressure. However the difference was the clinical finishing; for once the magic midgit got his act together and after they scored the 3rd goal; it did kill the contest. I thought overall the team gave a good account of themselves and didn't 'roll over' as suggested by some ignorant Man U fan on another forum (BBC). Well as it looks difficult to avoid the drop now but I hope the club keep going against Everton. I think we could have a core of a good side left, though there's probably going to be some players leaving. Come you Irons! It's not over!

[EastSaxCol]

A first half like the one against Chelski would give us the points today I reckon , and at least leave a glimmer of hope.

CUMMON YOU IRONZZ!!! Alan Curbishley's Claret and Blue Army !!!

[scousemouse]

the boy tevez is not too bad , but the team !!! , . I just want to say nice one for beating the blueshite with a nicely taking goal from harewood , shame about the season though and whatever happined to teddy ????????

[keddy]

the boy tevez is not too bad , but the team !!! , . I just want to say nice one for beating the blueshite with a nicely taking goal from harewood , shame about the season though and whatever happined to teddy ????????

Nice sentiments but have you been on the ale? The scorer was Bobby 'Banjo' Zamora. Harewood is the one that is crossed between 'brother from another planet' and a dolphin. He plays like one too. The Toffees came unstuck yesterday but i would have liked a couple of goals to offset the nerves at the end. Thanks for turning over Wigan; it's looking tight down there and could go to the last day. Good luck against Chelsea

[scousemouse]

the boy tevez is not too bad , but the team !!! , . I just want to say nice one for beating the blueshite with a nicely taking goal from harewood , shame about the season though and whatever happined to teddy ????????

Nice sentiments but have you been on the ale? The scorer was Bobby 'Banjo' Zamora. Harewood is the one that is crossed between 'brother from another planet' and a dolphin. He plays like one too. The Toffees came unstuck yesterday but i would have liked a couple of goals to offset the nerves at the end. Thanks for turning over Wigan; it's looking tight down there and could go to the last day. Good luck against Chelsea

sawadee cap keddy , i did know that the scorer against the blueshite was zamora but just wanted to say that the boy tevez is not too bad (unlike zamora ). I do actually hope the hammers stay up this season , the banter at the games is always something special . Nice one for the good luck vote for the game against chelski , I'm sure we'll turn them over. Good luck against Wigan on saturday , play positive and you should win.

[EastSaxCol]

whatever happined to teddy ????????

Millwall (ha ha)

Manure

Totts

and us.

Sherringham is anyones slag (to put it pleasantly) and got the right hump when we wouldn't let him go to Charlton in the transfer window and now's complaining about a Curbishley conspiracy theory. Bloody OAP's - no pleasing them.

Watcha keddy!

Still in wiv a sniff me ol' son. Got a feeling that well snatch it at Wigan beat Bolton and (below) job done

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOVFP0ziwgU

Otherwise, Colchester, Narrwich and Ipswich ain't such bad days out.

Cummon you Ironzz !!! Alan Curbishley's Claret and Blue Army !!!

[EastSaxCol]

The official site carries this, which is the first of a two part exclusive (well, it would be, wouldn't it?) interview with the Chairman.

"We are all feeling positive," he said. "Throughout the Club everyone is confident that we can secure the results we need in our final three games to confirm our Premiership status.

"Everyone has been working extremely hard, both on and off the pitch. The management, players and backroom staff are all feeling bright and looking forward to facing the coming challenges as a close team.

"Everyone is confident that we can go to Wigan and achieve a great result. We have so many of our fans travelling up to the game that we are sure to have an extra advantage."

With the Chairman and players' financing coach travel to Wigan this Saturday, over 5,500 Hammers fans and will take up their seats at the JJB Stadium to cheer on Alan Curbishley's men.

Mr Magnusson said: "The supporters were fantastic against Everton, as they always are. They are the best supporters in England. They are noisy and full of passion and that is exactly what we need from them at Wigan.

"We believe in ourselves and we know we have an excellent chance of finishing the season on a high. The fans are so important and we need them to cheer us on to victory for the remainder of the season.

[EastSaxCol]

An apology

Thanks to one poster for reminding me that youtube is blocked in Thailand - I've been back in the UK for two days and had already forgotten

My apologies for any possible offense caused by posting a link to youtube.

Long Live The King !

PS

It was Di Canio's goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Not quite in the same class as Paulo, but

Zamora-oh-oh.Zamora-oh-oh-oh.

Edited April 24, 2007 by Happy Hammer

[ThaiPauly]

In the context of what it means to West Ham I think that Zamora's goal should be goal of the week he seems to be finishing the season like he started it.

Hope you can keep going......I think Fulham are in real crisis now

Good Luck

[keddy]

In the context of what it means to West Ham I think that Zamora's goal should be goal of the week he seems to be finishing the season like he started it.

Hope you can keep going......I think Fulham are in real crisis now

Good Luck

Thanks TP, Banjo Bobby Zamora is on a nice run at the moment but his greatest virtue is that he keeps plugging away despite missing lots of easy chances, reminds me of Trevor Morley, a real grafter. We have a good record at Wigan but it's going to be a battle; a lot of blood, sweat and tears. HH yes we're missing You Tube not for our goals but for the music. Even Mr K is probably missing his Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and Duke Ellington clips They sometimes show our goals on West Ham online's forum., but the match reports are usually dismal nowadays. Anyway COME ON YOU IRONZZZZ

.

[EastSaxCol]

Here's hoping

You're right. Vinny's match reports are crap really. But he tries. 'The Monk' from ITBS can write some decent and funny reports - when he bothers. The last one was against Watford I think ! Makes me miss FAH when it was about. A truly class fanzine and well worth the chuckle.

CUMMOM YOU IRONZ !!! Alan Curbishley's Claret and Blue Army !!!

[chutai]

n/a

Edited April 27, 2007 by chutai

[ThaiPauly]

I watched the game..fantastic performance.

The team are unrecognisable from the one that lost 6-0 to Reading and 4-0 to Charlton.

I think United could have wrapped up the title by the last day of the season and the way you are playing a result could be on the cards.

If Reading can beat Bolton away ...why not West Ham?...you are playing way better than us right now..but you are fighting for your lives!

You CAN beat the drop.....at he expense of Fulham I reckon

Good Luck and well done

[EastSaxCol]

I watched the game..fantastic performance.

Good Luck and well done

Cheers mate. We were superb and our away support nothing but magnificant again. I really reckon that we'll scrape it, althougth Bolton will be anything but a push over next week - but I really fancy it.

Wigan or Fulham to join Watford and Charlton ?

Cummon You Ironzz !!! Alan Curbishley's Claret and Blue Army.

PS

I think that I better keep the magic (crystal) football at Noble's feet up until the Manure game

[scousemouse]

I watched the game..fantastic performance.

Good Luck and well done

Cheers mate. We were superb and our away support nothing but magnificant again. I really reckon that we'll scrape it, althougth Bolton will be anything but a push over next week - but I really fancy it.

Wigan or Fulham to join Watford and Charlton ?

Cummon You Ironzz !!! Alan Curbishley's Claret and Blue Army.

PS

I think that I better keep the magic (crystal) football at Noble's feet up until the Manure game

well done hammers , it was clear to see during the game who wanted it more . Wigan had better stick to rugby . Good luck and I reckon you'll beat the drop. Tomorrows game between the arse and fulham could and should help you out.

[EastSaxCol]

Warms the cockles ...

I could watch over and over.

http://www.dailymotion.com/FootballHeaven/...est-ham-goals/1

Happy Hammer

[ThaiPauly]

In the context of what it means to West Ham I think that Zamora's goal should be goal of the week he seems to be finishing the season like he started it.

Hope you can keep going......I think Fulham are in real crisis now

Good Luck

Thanks TP, Banjo Bobby Zamora is on a nice run at the moment but his greatest virtue is that he keeps plugging away despite missing lots of easy chances, reminds me of Trevor Morley:D

What a player he was..a grafter for sure.. I remember the hat trick he scored for Reading against Bolton at Elm Park about ten years ago...I was there...2 -0 down..our Manager had to go in goal after our Goalkeeper got injured and we still beat the bas^tards that defeated us in the play off finals two years before...I was sorry to see him go to Sweden.his wife was a Swede and he wanted a less frantic life.

Trevor Morley was a GREAT player

.

[ThaiPauly]

Sorry about the cock -up.makes my post look like its in the quote..but the post was so L O N G

[muckypups]

I'll take an educated guess here Hammers.. bet you'd like United to have the title wrapped up before you come to Old Trafford..?

By the way, well played yesterday.. big result for you, and a good to watch as well.

[EastSaxCol]

I'll take an educated guess here Hammers.. bet you'd like United to have the title wrapped up before you come to Old Trafford..?

By the way, well played yesterday.. big result for you, and a good to watch as well.

A bit of a half a dozen of this , and six of that ,mate. If they've wrapped up the league then they could put on a display of arrogance. On the other hand , if they haven't then they could be nervous. To be honest, if we beat managerless Bolton on Saturday then maybe that'll be enough ? But it all relies on what the others do. If we do need to win at Old Trafford - the way that we're playing at the moment, then maybe, just maybe.

[keddy]

I'll take an educated guess here Hammers.. bet you'd like United to have the title wrapped up before you come to Old Trafford..?

By the way, well played yesterday.. big result for you, and a good to watch as well.

A bit of a half a dozen of this , and six of that ,mate. If they've wrapped up the league then they could put on a display of arrogance. On the other hand , if they haven't then they could be nervous. To be honest, if we beat managerless Bolton on Saturday then maybe that'll be enough ? But it all relies on what the others do. If we do need to win at Old Trafford - the way that we're playing at the moment, then maybe, just maybe.

Just got back from a magical mad tour of eastern Thailand only a storm blew in this remote village and couldn't get to a UbcTV on Saturday and had to rely on updates from a sister in law in Chiang Mai on the phone. Got back last night and saw the goals on Vinny's report on WHO and the second goal was a peach and is a reminder of what this club is about: tenacity from El Torrito, Linda flying down the wing and looking up to see what options were on, great composure from Banjo Bobby and Yossi, slotting it in off the post, a real joy, . All the passing spot on: speed, timing, great linking play. I don't know how bad Wigan were in the overall context of the game but I was taken aback by Paul Jewel's interview he looked at the end of his tether. Can they pick themselves up? So Bolton next. I just hope we plug into the energy of the crowd and really take the game to Bolton. A nervy cagey game would suit them more and I hope we ae positive if we take the lead and push on for other goals. Not sure about the effect of Sammy Lee but I remember this porky little player for 'Pool lifting up his shirt for the travelling faithful at Anfield in response to jibes about weight problem. As for the supporters of other clubs calling for point deductions it's just a sign you're getting worried, a couple of months ago Wigan were 12 points ahead and we've caught up but it's going be difficult but the great escape is on. If we do it I can't think of another club who have come from so far behind and survived. Oh by the way even the computer is getting end of season jitters and the space that this thing is typed on, gets extended automatically when the mouse is pressed down, even with a little pressure, bloody technology Matron! where's my wireless, teeth and viagra.

[EastSaxCol]

Whatcha keddy, me ol' son

my biggest memory of Sammy Lee was the League Cup Final when Lee was in a blatent off-side position and interfering with play. Clive Thomas allowed the goal to stand and it was the only time I can remember John Lyall losing his rag calling Thomas a' cheat'. But a cheat he was... Even although Lyall had to retract the claim.

My next best memory is when he took over from Fat Sam at Bolton and we won 3-0. Thus keeping us in the Premiership by a whisker.

Here's hoping

[keddy]

Whatcha keddy, me ol' son

my biggest memory of Sammy Lee was the League Cup Final when Lee was in a blatent off-side position and interfering with play. Clive Thomas allowed the goal to stand and it was the only time I can remember John Lyall losing his rag calling Thomas a' cheat'. But a cheat he was... Even although Lyall had to retract the claim.

My next best memory is when he took over from Fat Sam at Bolton and we won 3-0. Thus keeping us in the Premiership by a whisker.

Here's hoping

Can you make it 5-0 we've got a goal difference problem to sort out As for the '81 league cup final I was there but only the handball and the Ray Stewart Penalty has stayed in the memory bank. Was it an Alan Kennedy goal with Sammy Lee lying down in an offside position? Anyway Come on you Irons!! Will be watching from the discomfort of my living room instead of waiting for phone calls ala 'The Dambusters" as I did for the Wigan game.

[EastSaxCol]

Can't remember who scored now . Some cheating Scouse or another ..think that it was Kennedy too. Had the same problem remembering who brought Paul Allen down in the 1980 Cup Final. Until it came back in a flash ...Willy Young !!!

Sorry mate. Can't stretch to 5-0. But I'll bung in 1-0 to us away at Old Trafford. Fair enough !

[chonabot]

Ok people , I have decided that if you want to have a pop at your least favourite teams you can now do so using a new thread thread

Those of you that continue to slag off other teams on their dedicated thread will be treated in a vulgar fashion..

You are still welcome to add sensible critique but try to be intelligient in your chocie of words.

Chon

[EastSaxCol]

You are still welcome to add sensible critique but try to be intelligient in your chocie of words.

Wiithin the dialectical critique of historical social analysis if one were to juxtapose the rise of one industrial bourgoisie against their counterpart Jewish immigrant population within the same corresponding community we find an animosity based upon exploitation an disproportionate advantage based upon capital accumulation.

It is within the geographical displacement of this community that we recognise terminology that has been used to depreciate those residing within the same location - specified as being North of the river Thames but with same identifying postal code. However I refrain using any terminology which I deem deprecatory to minority racial groupings.

The area specified as being North of the Thames of course includes a vast area including East, North and West London and their corresponding 'home counties'. This notwithstanding, our concern is with two areas that realised a diverse social grouping i.e. the proletariat of East London and the incipient bourgoisie of North London (particularly North West London).

Wiin the proletarian immigrant community of East London (Whitechapel, Stepney and the vicinity) the predominant means of production was one of three industries, vis-a-vis, tailoring, shoemaking and printing. The newly settled Jewish community quickly adopted the skill for two of these industries, shoemaking, but particularly tailoring.The 'East End' had not only become a bustling, diverse community , but also one tha harboured radical ideas of (particularly) anarchism amongst the proletariat of the area- namely the Jewish immigrant community. I hasten to add that this anarchism was of the philosophical strain with some intellectual credibility (Marx himself saw fit to refute the ideas of a leading anarchist - Bakunin) but not the kind of anarchism that gave rise in the C20 which is more akin to mindless nihilism.

With the displacement of the rural peasantry into the industrial areas of the growing cities, in which is refered to as the Industrial Revolution (IR) - circa 1760-1840 - came a commensurate degree of social isolation or alienation. Gone was the securety of provision by the rural landlord, the tightly knit agricultural community and the seasonal 'folk' festivals that marked the beginning and the end of the seasonal circle of crop production. A new outlet was was needed to express a sense of common identity within the fast growing industrial communities that lived in sepration from each other as the capitalist ethos (inividualism) dictated.

The growth of football as a working-class sport provided such an outlet. The new football grounds of Sheffield , Manchester and London, etc. provided a space where a common identity could be expressed without the constraints and shackles of the rule abiding status quo.

The wage slaves of capitalism - the working class - could dance, swear and whatever they pleased in these new centres of festivity, wherein de-alienation could be experienced for a short time on a Saturday. A football focuse community celebration was the new form of past rural festivity, should the community team experience Cup success.

West Ham United (or Thames Ironworks as it was then known) was one such football Club that saw its incipience during the IR. Born out of conflict within the workplace, it also served as a focal point for the East End proletariat - the poorest and most deprived in London.

The East End population already mentioned (above) was highly represented in its affiliation to Thames Ironworks and subsequent names and locations - as indeed where the Irish immigrant population latterly to be.

However, the Jewish population of the East End were experiencing an increasing fractionalization within its own community. A distinct animosity and sense of betrayal was felt by the working class in the traditional Jewish industries as their compatriot entrepeneurial and new bourgoisie - small industry owners - became increasingly wealthy : leaving those who had suffered the same displacement inreasingly poor - or at the very least stagnant in terms of quality of life. The solidarity of the community was fractionalised between the two classes that so defines capitalism in it's earliest and rawest state: the working class and the capitalist class. Workers versus bosses.

It is in this climate, and the increased accumulation of wealth of the bosses, that those who had made their new fortunes at what was viewed as being at he expense of their fellow immigrants sough a better quality of life. As vibrant and semi-communal as the East End was it was also steeped in poverty and the (as we all know) the filthy industial smoke of the factories blew east.

These new pastures green for the Jewish bourgoisie were to be found in the petit- bourgois suburbs of North West London. Far away from the grime and poverty of their own people and where the populace of the area had a 'nice team', not born from industial conflict but representing the petit-bourgois who lived in the leafy streets of North West London - Tottenham Hotspur.

The antagonism towards their workplace employers was also expressed towards their alliegance to their community (in the loosest sense of the word) football team. Thames Ironworks and West Ham United represented the oppressed and Tottenham Hotspur the oppressor , and their adherents, in the eyes of those who were now increasingly becoming the backbone of the East End. West Ham was a wholly working class team and Tottenhan Hotspur at the very least , a representaive of the bourgoidie.

To put it bluntly and in a short space. That's the history of why West Ham hate Tottenham.

I hope that I've been

intelligient

in my

chocie

of words

Please is don't try and sanitise our game by imposing the middle-class status quo. Pease respect our diverse histories that find expression in banter without being effectively ghettoised on some special thread where banter is easily policed... for the benefit of whom ? Above all - please don't patronisie us

Edited May 3, 2007 by Happy Hammer

[scousemouse]

You are still welcome to add sensible critique but try to be intelligient in your chocie of words.

Wiithin the dialectical critique of historical social analysis if one were to juxtapose the rise of one industrial bourgoisie against their counterpart Jewish immigrant population within the same corresponding community we find an animosity based upon exploitation an disproportionate advantage based upon capital accumulation.

It is within the geographical displacement of this community that we recognise terminology that has been used to depreciate those residing within the same location - specified as being North of the river Thames but with same identifying postal code. However I refrain using any terminology which I deem deprecatory to minority racial groupings.

The area specified as being North of the Thames of course includes a vast area including East, North and West London and their corresponding 'home counties'. This notwithstanding, our concern is with two areas that realised a diverse social grouping i.e. the proletariat of East London and the incipient bourgoisie of North London (particularly North West London).

Wiin the proletarian immigrant community of East London (Whitechapel, Stepney and the vicinity) the predominant means of production was one of three industries, vis-a-vis, tailoring, shoemaking and printing. The newly settled Jewish community quickly adopted the skill for two of these industries, shoemaking, but particularly tailoring.The 'East End' had not only become a bustling, diverse community , but also one tha harboured radical ideas of (particularly) anarchism amongst the proletariat of the area- namely the Jewish immigrant community. I hasten to add that this anarchism was of the philosophical strain with some intellectual credibility (Marx himself saw fit to refute the ideas of a leading anarchist - Bakunin) but not the kind of anarchism that gave rise in the C20 which is more akin to mindless nihilism.

With the displacement of the rural peasantry into the industrial areas of the growing cities, in which is refered to as the Industrial Revolution (IR) - circa 1760-1840 - came a commensurate degree of social isolation or alienation. Gone was the securety of provision by the rural landlord, the tightly knit agricultural community and the seasonal 'folk' festivals that marked the beginning and the end of the seasonal circle of crop production. A new outlet was was needed to express a sense of common identity within the fast growing industrial communities that lived in sepration from each other as the capitalist ethos (inividualism) dictated.

The growth of football as a working-class sport provided such an outlet. The new football grounds of Sheffield , Manchester and London, etc. provided a space where a common identity could be expressed without the contraints and shakles of the rule abiding status quo.

The wage slaves of capitalism - the working class - could dance, swear and whatever they pleased in these new centres of festivity, wherein de-alienation could be experienced for a short time on a Saturday and a community celebration was the new form of past rural festivity should the community team experience Cup success.

West Ham United (or Thames Ironworks as it was then known) was one such football Club that saw its incipience during the IR. Born out of conflict within the workplace, it also served as a focal point for the East End proletariat - the poorest and most deprived in London.

The East End population already mentioned (above) was highly represented in its affiliation to Thames Ironworks and subsequent names and locations - as indeed where the Irish immigrant population latterly to be.

However, the Jewish population of the East End were experiencing an increasing fractionalization within its own community. A distinct animosity and sense of betrayal was felt by the working class in the traditional Jewish industries as their compatriot entrepeneurial and new bourgoisie - small industry owners - became increasingly wealthy : leaving those who had suffered the same displacement inreasingly poor - or at the very least stagnant in terms of quality of life. The solidarity of the community was fractionalised between the two classes that so defines capitalism in it's earliest and rawest state: the working class and the capitalist class. Workers versus bosses.

It is in this climate, and the increased accumulation of wealth of the bosses, that those who had made their new fortunes at what was viewed as being at he expense of their fellow immigrants sough a better quality of life. As vibrant and semi-communal as the East End was it was also steeped in poverty and the (as we all know) the filthy industial smoke of the factories blew east.

These new pastures green for the Jewish bourgoisie were to be found in the petit- bourgois suburbs of North West London. Far away from the grime and poverty of their own people and where the populace of the area had a 'nice team', not born from industial conflict but representing the petit-bourgois who lived in the leafy streets of North West London - Tottenham Hotspur.

The antagonism towards their workplace employers was also expressed towards their alliegance to their community (in the loosest sense of the word) football team. Thames Ironworks and West Ham United represented the oppressed and Tottenham Hotspur the oppressor and their ad herents in the eyes of those who were now increasingly becoming the backbone of the East End. West Ham was a wholly working class team and Tottenhan Hotspur at the very least , a representaive of the bourgoidie.

To put it bluntly and in a short space. That's the history of why West Ham hate Tottenham.

I hope that I've been

intelligient

in my

chocie

of words

Please is don't try and sanitise our game by imposing the middle-class status quo. Pease respect our diverse histories that find expression in banter. And above all - please don't partonise us.

Best wishes. Happy Hammer

Well said hammer .