I don't like Birmingham, but they fought all the way at Tottenham and a couple of mins from the end, so nearly took the lead and saved themselves. Their need to win the game was their undoing in the very final second of the match.
I don't like Blackburn, but their first half performance against Wolves was inspired given the pressure and the fact that a point saved them.
I do like Blackpool but thought they were a joke shop team, a pub side drafted in as Premiership whipping boys for a season; I couldn't have been more wrong. They went to Old Trafford and matched a strong Man Utd team for 73 minutes, taking playing for the shirt to new levels of determination. Their relegation is sad.
I have a regard for Wigan. Let's face it, they are Blackpool with knobs on. I've seen them play non league football in my lifetime. Their style of play is refreshing and they did what very few teams have done, they won at Stoke City.
And as for Wolves, at 3-0 down and with results going against them, they were dead and buried, but what a second half performance and what fantastic goals to save themselves! I like Mick McCarthy, always have since that Roy Keane business, and I was pleased to see him escape.
And what did all those teams have in common. Each of their players had more desire in his little toe over that 90 minutes than our entire squad has displayed over the whole course of this season. Yesterday was a day of shame for West Ham. The fans of Birmingham and Blackpool should still feel proud; they were unlucky to go down.
I now understand why Ancelloti hinted about being interested in managing West Ham next year. This this a quote from a report on his dismissal:
ReplyDelete"[Ancelloti] is expected to collect compensation to cover the remaining 12 months of his three-year contract, worth around £6m. However, it is understood that Chelsea may attempt to work a clause into Ancelotti's compensation package that prohibits him from managing another Premier League club."
That should explain his interest. It is a perfect match for him. He can collect his compensation and still have a job in England next year! The contract does not prohibit him from managing a Championship side.
It is a win-win situation that West Ham owners should seriously consider. Ancelloti can bring us back to the Premiership next year.
This is the link from the Guardian article regarding the clause in Ancelloti's contract.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/may/22/chelsea-sack-carlo-ancelotti-manager?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29
I think one of West Ham’s problems this season and previously, has been an over-reliance on mercenary figures – too many players not committed to the cause; too many on loan; too many looking to get away, distracted by the attentions of other, bigger clubs.
ReplyDeleteHand on heart, there are few players I'll be sorry to see the back of. I hope the kids from the academy get a chance to mature and improve next season. I hope that whoever the new manager can find a few more mature players that can offer the youngsters leadership and set them an example. But I'd hate to ever be in a situation again when our fate dependent on the whims of players like Keanes, Upsons and Bridges of this world, players who just don't quite seem to care enough.
And where did that desire come from HF? Yes, the main thing they all had in common, proper managers!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately mate you are bang on, and that hurts.So embarresed by yesterdays on field performance but once again the Upton Park faithfuls 'gallows humour' was superb...this club is 90% about the fans at the moment, the only thing we can be proud of.
ReplyDeletei agree with most of what you said westham were a disgrace never seen a westham side so poor not only yesterday but in the whole season players like upson dyer and many others aint fit to wear our shirt
ReplyDelete