OOpposition View

The West Ham View

Ahead of our last ever trip to Upton Park, we had a chat with Hammers fan Stuart Plant about the season so far, the move away from their historic home and the game this weekend.

Q. How has your season been since we last met in the Premier League?

Other than a somewhat problematic spell when our players were dropping like flies, we managed to stick to picking up points, meaning that the turn of the new year and those returning players saw us start picking up three points much more regularly. That troublesome spell was the making of our season. Whatever we achieve come the end of the campaign, it is down to the steel shown in that period. Right now, we are faced with the excruciatingly realistic target of finishing in the top four. The more the ‘big boys’ underwhelm, the more realistic a chance of third a third placed finish becomes.

Q. What did you make of that game at Selhurst Park where you went away with all three points? 

I thought it was a throw away game. In that early spell it could have gone either way. The Jenkinson goal and instant penalty giveaway seemed like it was destined to be one of those days. However, shortly after, Dwight Gayle took the front and centre stage to be an even more foolish young man and got himself sent off. After that, it was hold on for a point for you and just a case of could we finish off one of the chances we would create. The third goal from Dmitri Payet is still criminally underrated, the way he lofted it over your keeper. Quite exquisite. It will be interesting to see how this fixture turns out if it is eleven versus eleven.

Q. Are there really any superlatives left for you to describe the impact Dimitri Payet has had on the team this season? 

Honestly? No. I know that sounds incredibly arrogant but he is the player of the season for me (alongside Kante for Leicester City) and I would even go as far to say one of the best in Europe. The biggest statement for me though is that Didier Deschamps (who originally mocked him for his move to us as he said he would never achieve or get in the French squad thereafter) all but said he was so good in their friendly against Holland, that he has to take him. For him to make a man of Deschamps’ stubborn nature hold his hands up and admit he is a world class player speaks for itself.

Q. Even though it is widely known that Slaven Bilic was not first choice for the owners, could the appointment have gone any better? 

No! We had an agreement and contract sorted out for Rafa Benitez, who was called at the last moment with interest from Real Madrid. Thankfully, Madrid snapped him up leaving us with our ‘back up’ option in Slaven. It is remarkable just how well he has taken to managing in the Premier League, but he has taken it like a duck out of water. I think a lot of it stems from his man management skills personally. He is still learning, and he has made some gaffes formation and tactics wise but that will come with time.

Q. It is a shame to see the demise of another old ground. What is the general feeling among fans about leaving Upton Park? 

Originally, it was gutting. After hearing, seeing and getting to know everything about the Olympic Stadium coupled with where we may finish in the league, things are only going to get better for the club. To have needed to ask for permission to raise the maximum attendance to 60,000 with a view of taking it up further still to 66,000 after next year is incredible. People said we would never fill it, yet, without even playing there we have had to get the attendance increased.

Q. If you cannot do both, which would you prefer the club to have achieved by the end of the season – finish in the top four or win the FA Cup?

FA Cup and I cannot explain how happy I am to see every player whose was asked say the same. As well, our owners echo that as well as Slaven who even chose it over qualifying for the Champions League. It means that although we may be succumbing to the riches of the Premier League, the club all the way through still have a heart made of football rather than money.

Q. What are your thoughts on Palace this season? 

Started very well. Have faded off remarkably. It seems to be a common trait of Alan Pardew’s short lived career cycle at every club. Do very well. Do okay. Struggle. Fail to make it right. Sacked/quits. Repeat. I believe you have had some real bad luck along the way particularly with injuries which is not good considering you have got a much thinner squad. Also, Yohan Cabaye is not having nearly enough success as he was earlier in the season.

Q. Name a player from each side that the opposition should be concerned about. 

The French duo. Cabaye always does something against us – scores, assists and/or runs the game. Payet is starting to get back to his best after his injury, which is vital if we are to win the FA Cup and/or finish strong in the league.

Q. Your prediction?

2-0 to West Ham. I hate being so positive before games now as it is such a polar opposite to how I have felt for twenty-four years.

Q. Please tell us a little about what you do and share anything that you are currently working on.

Nothing special, but we are currently leaning into a much more video content based site. Some exciting interviews lined up with former players too, which would be brilliant if they come off. Otherwise, it is business as usual for us so please head over to check out the site.

 

 

Jay is founder and editor of TEB having started it all off back in the summer of 2012. An avid Palace fan since the late eighties with a passion for music and too many other sports. Presenter and producer of The Meridian Sports Show on 107 Meridian FM.

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