Irons legend: ‘This is as good a team as any I played in’

The words “West Ham ” and “legend” can be assigned to former Irons players a little to quickly.

But there are few of us who have any problem with the world being applied to the stunning Alvin Martin who at 63 years old is still remembered with huge affection by us all.

The Liverpool born Alvin made 596 appearances over 18 seasons for us managing a surprising perhaps 27 goals along the way.

He was at the heart of our defence in 1980 when we won the  FA Cup by beating Arsenal 1-0 at Wembley with a goal from Trevor Brooking.

And in an interview the father of Hammers keeper David revealed that he believes the current team is as good as any team with which he was involved and is hoping that a Cup is on its way back to the club after 42 years

Speaking to London Evening Standard Sport he said: “I think it is as good as any side I played in. The 1981 side is the one I say when I’m asked to pick [the best] one. 1986 was fantastic when we finished third, that was brilliant.

“This side now compares absolutely to both of those. The individuals within the team – there are some good ones, but Declan Rice sums up West Ham at the moment. The calibre of club being linked with Declan [says it all].

“His performance level has been up there week in and week out. His consistency is astonishing.”

“Whenever I speak to David there are certain things he says that remind me of some of the better teams I played in,” says Martin.

“The camaraderie amongst them all, they don’t just go training and leave, they do genuinely get on as a group. They are friends as well as team-mates, that was something I remember being there in the better teams I played in.

“When you’ve got somebody connected to the club like David, loving what he is doing and telling me stories about what went on in training, he tells me some fantastic stories – which I can’t repeat – but I just think what a lovely place to be, with some really good people.”

And he isn’t prepared to allow the comparisons remain there as whilst David Moyes is not identical to the man who served the Hammers for 34 years, Ron Greenwood, there are some telling similarities.

Alvin said: “I can see why people make that comparison. I do believe John was meticulous in the detail and David Moyes has got that, definitely,” 

“What he did do, similar to David Moyes, was assemble a team and a squad bit-by-bit and you can see there is real, sound logic behind it. I would say the same with this squad, bit-by-bit and piece-by-piece you can see where he’s going.

“West Ham have watched Kidderminster four times, that is typical David Moyes. He will not underestimate them and that tells you something about David Moyes and his approach to games like this.”

 Saturday’s tie is a repeat of a fifth-round meeting between the two clubs in 1994, when Martin played as West Ham came away 1-0 winners.

There is a new confidence about West Ham, but Martin knows these  ties give any top player nightmares.

He said: “Every player that has been in that position will say it’s a game where you go to win and get through but you’ve got nothing to win and everything to lose

“They are uncomfortable games, you can’t enjoy them. You can be made to look foolish.”

Martin sees potential in this West Ham team like no other before them for decades.

“It is so important, the support and size of the club, it is ridiculous that a trophy has not been put on the table since 1980, for a club of our stature that is not acceptable,” says Martin, 

“Walking around in Romford where I live, I look to see West Ham shirts on little-uns. I’ve got a grandson who is an Arsenal supporter, and that hurts me! His dad is Arsenal but he is from Upminster, that is not right!

“The only way we can get people like Ethan into West Ham shirts is cup finals and being in Europe. That is the future.

“Our club has been associated with the FA Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup. We won the FA Cup five years after we won it in ’75. The fact we’ve had to wait so long for the next one, and it will happen, that will make it such a big deal.

“I think that the first trophy we win with this group, and it is around the corner, will have huge significance and could set them on the path to greatness.”

 

About Hugh5outhon1895

Hugh Southon is a lifelong Iron and the founding editor of ClaretandHugh. He is a national newspaper journalist of many years experience and was Bobby Moore's 'ghost' writer during the great man's lifetime. He describes ClaretandHugh as "the Hammers daily newspaper!" Follow on Twitter @hughsouthon