David Gold has boldly told ClaretandHugh within the last few moments: “If we beat Stoke City this afternoon – we are safe!”

DG flew in from Europe last night after a short break in the sun and at this moment is on his way to the potteries for a tough fixture.

But speaking to us on his way to the game he said: “This is not a Tony Pulis team where the defence is packed to the limits. It’s a winnable game and if we manage that I believe we are safe.”

He added: ” Nobody wants to use the ‘S’ word until it’s been mathematically confirmed but come on we are all grown up and know it would take a disaster of epic proportions for things to go wrong now.

“I don’t think the bookies would give great odds if anyone wanted to back West Ham to be relegated and neither would I.

“It’s likely to be a very close game this afternoon but I think we can win it and if we do then we can plan for a Premier League 2014/2015 season.”