Adrian’s simple success philosophy

In a world when football is over-analysed stopper Adrian has a simple Hammers philosophy – ‘beat everybody!’

Every other day the “where will we finish?” question is asked and the keeper has a simple answer declaring: ” If we want to finish towards the top, we need to get results against everybody.”

Discussing the attitudes of two different managers in Allardyce and Bilic he added: “The big difference is their mentality of football. Football is a big thing. There is not just one style. You can play however you want as long as you get results.

“With Sam, we were more direct – straight to the goal and crossing a lot. Now, with Slaven, we are different. We try to keep possession of the ball and play it out from the back.

“I didn’t know Slaven when he played here before and showed so much passion on the pitch. With us, he is quiet and calm. He tries hard to get across his ideas, and I think the team has adapted well to that.”

And he added: “I think there is a lot of motivation to play against big teams and beat them. We have shown that in some great performances away from home. If there is one thing we need to improve, it is to take the same approach in the other games against teams level or below us.

“The league is long and you play against everyone.

Adrian takes great care over each sentence, which adds purpose to his final note. Fully adjusted to life on these shores, this adopted Londoner is fiercely proud to be representing his new home.