ClaretandHugh’s exclusive blogger Ray “Tonka” Stewart casts his eye over his beloved Hammers and how they will do at the Hawthorns tonight.
I was more than a bit worried about the possibility of playing the likes of Torquay, Bromley and Stockport next season when I heard we nay be involved in the Conference League next season.
Thankfully, I now understand that we are talking about some new Euro League and whilst the top two competitions would be far better I am desperate for any sort of Euro involvement next season.
And that’s what makes tonight’s match in the midlands so important. I understand that Big Sam hasn’t beaten the Hammers anywhere since his departure but he’ll be desperate to win tonight for his own pride and to help the relegated Baggies go out with a bang.
There’s a danger the Irons could be a bit over desperate given what’s at stake and they need to cut out the sort of mistakes which led to the Everton goal.
But they certainly have enough to beat Albion and we must remember that every team has had a bad spell this season – it’s just that ours, along with the injuries we suffered , came at exactly the wrong time.
That’s started a few to get on the Hammers case again and that’s wrong. I was supposedly the best penalty taker at the club but I missed 10 – one a year. Bad stuff happens.
It is just important that you bounce back fast and I think the lads will tonight and I wonder whether we will see Grady Diangana out there hoping he can prove the Irons were wrong to let him go.
I’m not giving an opinion because it’s pointless now. Players come and go and he’s gone. End of story and there is no reason for recriminations.
All that matters is three points and I think we will get them.
COYI
‘Tonka’ was talking to Hughie Southon