As we look forward to the return of the Premier League this weekend, the team at West Ham Central agreed to answer our questions in build up to the game.
Q. What were your hopes and dreams for this season before a ball was kicked?
To avoid relegation. With the stadium move coming up, it is key to stay in the league. After a promising start, the hope now is top half.
Q. Was Slaven Bilic the unanimous choice by the fans to take over from Big Sam?
Not at all. So many names were flying about, even the likes of Carlos Ancelotti and Jurgen Klopp, who were well out of our reach. Amazingly, Rafa Benitez nearly joined before receiving a call from Real Madrid, then Unai Emery from Seville turned us down so Bilic was always the safety cushion.
Q. How has Bilic done so far in your opinon?
He has done okay. I am not going to say he has been brilliant because as lovely as away wins against Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are, the home form has been tragic and we have been leaking goals against the lower teams.
Q. Did the club do all the business in the summer transfer market that you expected?
I could not have asked for a better summer. We signed players from top European teams like Barcelona and Juventus which has added some real quality.
Q. Are you excited about the move to the Olympic Stadium next season or is there a tinge of sadness leaving the Boleyn?
A total mix of emotions. Upton Park is the only place I know. Been going for years, had season tickets for years, the atmosphere is amazing and it is a proper old fashioned ground. However, the move to the Olympic Stadium is the right move. We want to have a big future and to challenge the big teams in England, and the Olympic Stadium is one of the best stadia in the world.
Q. The problems at West Ham Ladies have been widely reported but do you think it is something that can be resolved and the team can come back from?
It can be resolved, but it is a lot more complicated than it sounds. The new manager and the chairman have a tight bond and it is ruining the club. Players are not even allowed to speak up and have an opinion, otherwise they get in trouble. The girls who left, including captain Stacey Little, will not even consider returning until the manager leaves.
Q. What is your opinion of Palace since our return to the Premier League?
Very impressed, especially with Alan Pardew. The bloke has done wonders and introduced a new style that is enjoyable to watch and guarantees results.
Q. Which West Ham player do you think we should be wary of and which Palace player you should be wary of?
Dimitri Payet. There is no-one else who comes close. He has created more chances than any other player this season and has been a revolution in the Premier League so far.
I am very wary of Yannick Bolasie. I have to admit, I am not a huge fan of him, but I can see him taking advantage of our right-back problems with his incredible pace and power.
Q. Your prediction?
I am going for a 2-2 draw. We are unbeaten away from home in the league and as much of a threat as Palace are, I can see us sharing the spoils in a game dominated by your lot.
Q. Please share with us any projects that you are currently working on or anything that you wish to promote.
We have a fairly new website which is www.westhamcentral.com which will have our build up to this game and much more.
