In a way it is a back handed compliment that the schadenfreude usually reserved for when the Chelsea'a and the Manchester United's of this world are struggling, is associated with the goings on at little old West 'am. The reason for the inclusion in the nose bleed stakes is the general resentment that the cockney boys managed to blag a brand spanking new stadium. Add to that the humbling that Hammers dished out to several big teams last season, a fresh manager full of ideas and a really impressive squad. Theses are all reasons why people are enjoying hammers current fall from grace as much as that of the other 'top' teams, the only positive being that attention has not been truly focused on Slaven Billic as yet, mind you the 'new contract on hold' headline in the Telegraph isn't helpful! A positive result in the Cup match against Accrington would be helpful ahead of the crunch match against Southampton this sunday, which is already assuming 'six pointer' status.
The media love to build things up and then adore watching them crash and burn, such is the way. All that Slaven Billic can do is 'hunker down', drill his defence as if he was still playing and give young Oxford a go! - Ed
