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Shades Of 86-87?

nevillenixon's picture
Submitted by nevillenixon on Sun, 22/11/2020 - 19:48

Sunday's away victory over Sheffield United was just as seminal as the 3-3 draw away to Tottenham, it showed a riseilient team that goes about it's business in a quietly confident manner. A team forged by David Moyes which is as much about his remption as it is for an underachiening squad finally being given the direction and motivation they sorely needed.

This season, above all others, represents the genuine opportunity for one of maybe TEN teams to do a 'Leicester', and win the Barclays Premier League against all odds. Now we are not in any way suggesting the Irons could win the league, but there is more than a decent chance they can make an impact, the steady progress the team is making is not without notice from the pundits either, many of whom retain a soft spot for West Ham and for David Moyes who they felt was dealt harshly during his time as manager by the then biggest club in the World, Manchester United.

If Moyes can maintain the club's current progress there is no reason that West Ham cannot be there or there abouts come the end of the season, and therein lies the irony. The last time West Ham were able to challenge for the league title was in the 1986-1987 season, due to a Mersyside conspiracy and a ridiculously congested end to the season the club finished third,

During that season there was a disagreement between the FA and the broadcasters which meant the only way you could see West Ham was at live games! The Touts had a field day, memories of rushing to the ground straight from the recording studio are still engraved somewhere. Even though we were 'wedged up' we couldn't even steal a ticket for some games, in the end resulting to jumpng over the wall straight in to the Chicken Run.

So, the club's most successful season was never seen by the masses, and so it is with some regret we focus on on a part of David Moyes' post match presser. "I really wish the West Ham supporters were here to see it because when they come back I think they'll see a lot of improvement," he said. "They'll see players who have moved on and got better. The one thing about the team is that is has great energy and commitment. They're all trying to do their job. All we'll try to do is keep building and getting better - we're not going to get carried away with what we're doing, but let's be fair, winning away is really important. I think we can keep going and keep moving up the table."

So it seems fitting to close by referencing the fans who aren't there to witness what could be a spectacular season, but also thinking about those who will never be able to attend again. - Ed

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hammergirl's picture

Spuds/Chelski/Gooners/Manure/Everton are all fancied more than us so let them have the pressure while we just quietly go about our business i for one have enjoyed the grit and determination that the team have showed in winning our last two matches something that lets face it we are not renowned for

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18 users have voted.

You've hit the nail on the head girl ,determination in bucket loads ,i especially like the way we've gone for the 50/50 balls and just when you think the ball is lost a last second touch and not only winning the ball but finding a team mate ,i always say when you cant name a motm its a good sign ,look, to me the fact that we did so well against the so called "top " teams is neither here nor there ,its the teams that are emerging with us ,the so called also rans , Everton ,Saints, Brighton and even Villa our next opponents, that will be a tricky one , imo Southampton may be the best to emerge out of the shadows ,they play some lovely entertaining football ,im backing them to beat wolves tomorrow night .

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22 users have voted.
Dartford Bhoy's picture

... not yet. Maybe getting a bit a head of ourselves. We had two prolific goal scorers that season, at the moment we have a fragile beast and and the Incredible Sulk... not the same for me.

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43 users have voted.

Spot on mate.When Ants comes back does he pair him with the sudden superstar haller? Who does moyes drop for this pairing & does that mean no place for benny? The plot thickens

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19 users have voted.
Dartford Bhoy's picture

The plot is getting thicker 65 and isnt lovely... heading for a season without relegation..I hope!!!! If the rumors are right about the lad at Real Madrid this would be great and old sulky pants would have no excuse for failing with his Frankfurt bromance back on :o)

Our last great sulk was Sakho... what happened to him and his abandoned Lamborghini :o)

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16 users have voted.

It would be good,but agree with Dartford,we are not at that stage yet,i think we will have a good season,and will push in the top half of the league...............As ive said many times before,its such a shame we are not there in person to see it,and grasp the atmosphere,as i am in total belief that the BOM would be rocking.

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29 users have voted.
Dartford Bhoy's picture

Mate... what we would give for a few sodas at the Heineken bar and be back in the BoM which as you said would be rocking!!!!

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19 users have voted.
nevillenixon's picture

All the bowl of sorrow required to completely change was a team that commits and puts a shift in, on those rare occasions when they did, the place rocked!

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41 users have voted.
Dartford Bhoy's picture

I have always said the stadium would be fine if only we had a team to match the fantastic support! What a shame we are not there :o(

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16 users have voted.
boogerscaravan's picture

This situation highlights for me the importance of the whole squad. That's why I say again, we don't need to let anyone go in Jan. Lets retain everyone until the end of the season. We've had a settled side minus Antonio, but there will come a time when suspensions, 5 yellow cards miss a game. Plus god help a straight red for 3 games. Injuries of course. I honestly don't think our squad is all that deep. Nice to see Mr West Ham move past Steve Potts appearances on Sun even if it was only for a couple of minutes...

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44 users have voted.

Moyes has got this seasons Hammers going about their business smartly, quietly & effectively. All the focus is on Spurs, how poor City are, Grealish & Villa!
I still think Masuaku is a liabilty. Gives the ball away to cheaply, does not get back & when he does, the alarm bells start ringing. We need to give Benharama is head in these next few games. Playing against lesser opposition including Chelsea who have their defensive frailties.
As soon as Antonio is fit he needs to be thrown back in. No room for sentiment. Haller scored 1 goal but 1 swallow does not make a summer. He looks completely disinterested.
Be interesting to see where Moyes decides to strengthen in January & also how much ambition SUGO actually have. If we can add 5 quality players over the next 2 windows we could finally be onto somethig.

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39 users have voted.

Cant agree with you on Masu Enfield ,i think he's just the kind of player we need ,there's a brilliant streak in him waiting to get out ,i think its better he's getting,an opposition nightmare .

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45 users have voted.
Mr Green St's picture

Nev, you have made a point that I have tried to make repeatedly, there was a good reason why Moyes was handpicked to take over from Sir Alex, at probably the biggest club in the world, and many of our supporters are now beginning to realise why.
DETERMINATION & RESILIENCE........ isn't something that I'm accustomed to as a supporter.....and I could easily get used to it. I was brought up on the West Ham Way, but I was ALWAYS frustrated by us capitulating and the inability to string together more than a couple of good performances. Which is why us supporters always look back at snatching a draw or the odd unbelievable away win at Man U etc.
Well hopefully this mentality will become a thing of the past and our ambitions in the future will become greater as I believe that Moyes is a rare breed of manager in this day and age, he is respected by the players, an organiser, pragmatic, loyal, dogged and determined. When he took over I didn't believe that we had competition for places within the squad which led to player complacency amongst the squad. I look at the squad now and although we are still short, the players waiting for their chance are now Hungry and the players who have the shirt are playing with the conviction required to hold onto their shirt.... I can see a lot more than green shoots right now.
Haller hasn't been a favourite of mine for a while now, but I have to admit that I am beginning to see something of the player we brought, in him now. Lanzini, when he came on, looked reinvigorated and electric in his movement, and whilst SaÏd didn't even get on ( glad to read that he WAS a Moyes purchase) you know he is hungry to prove his worth and I sense that he will also bring another dimension to our play. Things are starting to look up as Moyes is a manager that is able to create a blueprint and a legacy.......and I truly hope that he remains here for years to come and creates that Legacy with us. COYI

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43 users have voted.
Dartford Bhoy's picture

excellent post Mr G! I hope Moyes proves me wrong and he is given some time. We need consistency particularly on the park and the 3 at the back suits us and the style of play for the Prem League. I think the two Czech boys have been awesome! They dont pull up trees but have a spirit and work rate all fans love to see.

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14 users have voted.

he won the respect of the players when he politely told lady Brady to go away when she tried to enter the changing rooms and agree with you Mr green long may he continue

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51 users have voted.

although things have a changed a lot formation wise these days, having a natural centre forward is a key point we are missing. Love Antonio but he's not a natural centre forward for me, but you cannot fault his effort and delivery. We had two forwards back then that clicked, scoring 46 goals between them that elevated us to 3rd in an amazing season. Fingers crossed but I won't be running to the bookies post lockdown :)

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20 users have voted.

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